Batavian Playing Cards, 1934

Item — Box: 3, item: 1

Scope and Contents

Batavia Aces with views of country. Gumprich & Strauss of Batavia (gotten in gambling casino by W. Wilde).

Dimensions: 2.07" x 3.63"

Quantity: 53 (complete)

Original inventory number: 34

Dates

Creation: 1934

Conditions Governing Access

Advanced notice required for access.

Biographical / Historical

B. Dondorf created this chromolithographed deck for Gumprich & Strauss in Batavia, Java, now Jakarta, where the aces depict scenes from the Dutch East Indies during the colonial period. The deck was published to commemmorate the second marriage of King William III with Princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont on January 7, 1879. The Kings and Queens are members of the Dutch royal family and the Jacks are Dutch soldiers (hearts = artillery, diamonds = cavalry, spades = infantry, clubs = marines). The Jack of clubs has a small Dondorf logo. The deck was published into the 1930s with small indices (A,K,D,B) added c.1910. This deck has the indices.

Full Extent

From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Case is cardboard with detailed red printing of illustrations. Backs of cards are pink with a floral red design and say "Gumprich & Strauss, Batavia." across the top and bottom. Corners are gold edged. Aces depict scenes of dutch cities and colonies. Kings and queens are Dutch royalty and Jacks are soldiers. Joker is finely illustrated.