Step into American history with the Piatnik Civil War Playing Cards, a commemorative collectors' deck featuring unique historical images from America's most defining conflict. Since Ferdinand Piatnik took over Anton Moser's card painting business in 1843, the Piatnik family has preserved and refined the art of playing card manufacturing for over 180 years. What began as a traditional craft shop in Vienna's 14th district has evolved into Europe's leading game publisher, with products now available in 72 countries worldwide.
The Civil War deck (part number 01475) is part of Piatnik's celebrated Collectors' Cards series, where every single card features a unique image related to a specific subject. This commemorative deck brings the American Civil War to life through carefully selected historical photographs and illustrations sourced from the Library of Congress collection. Each of the 55 cards (52 playing cards plus 3 jokers) displays an individual Civil War-related image on its face, creating a visual journey through this pivotal era in American history.
The deck captures the drama, sacrifice, and significance of the war that divided and ultimately reunited the nation from 1861 to 1865. Historical images include military leaders, soldiers, battles, equipment, and scenes from both Union and Confederate perspectives, offering a comprehensive look at this transformative period. The poker size cards measure 63 x 88 mm (approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches), with standard playing card indices on the faces and a distinctive Civil War-themed design on the reverse.
Perhaps the most famous battle of the Civil War took place at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, where the Union's Army of the Potomac successfully repelled the second invasion of the North. Several months later, President Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address, speaking of "a new birth of freedom" in one of the most memorable speeches in U.S. history. This deck serves as a tangible connection to that pivotal era.
Lovingly researched and thoughtfully curated, Piatnik's Collectors' Cards are not only perfect gifts and delightful to browse through but also fully suitable for card playing. The high-quality construction features premium cardstock with smooth handling and precise printing that ensures these cards perform beautifully during gameplay while maintaining their collectible and educational appeal.
Made in Vienna, Austria, these cards carry forward the Piatnik heritage established when Ferdinand and his three sons—Ferdinand, Adolf, and Rudolf—incorporated as "Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne" in 1882. The Piatnik factory, established in 1824, is a recognized symbol of Vienna and continues to produce cards that unite traditional craftsmanship with modern printing technology.
Whether you're a Civil War history enthusiast, educator, collector of Americana, or simply appreciate unique playing card designs, Piatnik's Civil War deck delivers a perfect blend of historical significance and functional quality that has made this Austrian manufacturer a trusted name for nearly two centuries.
