Antique German Playing Card Double-Headed King...

Updated October 18, 2026

Lot number	40
Estimate	20.00 - 45.00 USD
Category	Antiques & Furniture
Auction	Weekly Discovery Auction: LGBTQ History & Vintage Ephemera
Date	October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT
Auction house	Period Americana
Location	Boston, Massachusetts

of Hearts Plaid Back c1900. Single historic European King of Hearts-style playing card with a crowned male ruler repeated in an opposing double-headed layout. The figure wears a red tunic and richly patterned green-and-gold cloak while holding an ornamental scepter, surrounded by vivid red heart suit symbols. A thin black border and rounded corners enclose the image, and the reverse displays a regular green diagonal plaid pattern matching the accompanying cards in this catalog. The printing appears consistent with late-nineteenth- or early-twentieth-century German playing-card production; an exact deck title, publisher, and date are not confirmed from this example alone. Its costume design and saturated coloration give it collector appeal as a small graphic-art survivor. Both sides exhibit mellow paper toning, minor soiling or spots, light rubbing, and worn corners. No inherent LGBTQ historical association is claimed from its male imagery.

Antique German Playing Card Double-Headed King...

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