Hoffman published two sets of playing cards, one of the world, the other of Europe. That of the world survives in just two known examples. The present example is from the Europe pack which was entitled 'Europeisch-Geographisches Spiel-Charte'. It is extremely rare. The world map in the set bears the imprints of 'J.H. Seyfrid, delineavit' and 'Wilhelm Pfann. sculpsit', probably those responsible for all the cards. The date 1678 comes from the accompanying text volume which resides in the Willshire Collection at the British Museum.
Hoffman was born in Frankenberg, Saxony, 17 March 1629. He was often in trouble with the authorities in Nuremberg for various illegal activities including plagiarism. He died 27 March 1698.
Provenance: this example is ex Rimington-Wilson Collection sold at Christies November 1971 lot 295 to Sylvia Mann. References: S. Mann & D. Kingsley Map Collector Series no. 87 p. 22 no. 5; Catherine Perry Hargrave A History of Playing Cards p. 109; Geoffrey King Miniature Antique Maps (2003) pp. 146-7; Shirley Britain pp.67-8.

Engraved map with fine original outline hand-colour, backed with early marbled paper to make a playing card.