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Questions, answers and general explanations
The custom of printing and distributing Death Cards arose approximately in the first half of the 18th century in Holland. The handwritten forerunner, popular in the 17th century, was made in memory of deceased clergymen and noblemen. As time went by, it developed into a general custom for the most part in catholic areas.
What was the purpose of Death Cards?
As soldiers were mainly killed far away from home, the Death Cards served the purpose of honouring them. The custom was mainly found in rural areas in Austria as well as in southern Germany. This, however, was bound to change with the wars in 1866, 1870/71 and with WWI as many young men lost their lives on faraway battlefields.
Unlike today, the bodies of the dead could not be transported to their home graveyards, leaving the next of kin with nothing but the Death Cards to remember their beloved ones. Some of the Death Cards even had a picture of the fallen.
Who produced Death Cards?
It was mainly relatives, friends or acquaintances who had the Death Cards printed. People often ask me whether the German Armed Forces had the Cards published, but that was definitely not the case. It was purely a private matter.
Is each Death Card a unique specimen?
On no account. As it was intended to have the Cards distributed among family members and the parish, a number of copies were printed. The total number of the copies, however, could differ. Nevertheless, as time went by, many Cards disappeared or were thrown away. That explains why after years of collecting them, there is a vast number I have only come across once.
Why are Death Cards so expensive?
Throughout the years, the number of collectors worldwide has risen considerably whereas the number of Cards has gradually gone down owing to the fact that the original cards cannot be reprinted. Even though hundreds of Cards might be offered at times on the Internet, the rare ones are much sought after. It is only a question of time before supply and demand will gape considerably.
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