Two identical sets of Patience - Whist cards were recently discovered in storage at the Hammond- Harwood House.  Both packs were still in their original wrappers.  The perfectly preserved cards were housed in a black leather case with gold lettering on the outside.  The cards themselves feature an array of interesting characters including a handsome king, a Napoleonic Jack, and a bonnet-clad Queen of Hearts.  The reverse of the cards depict songbirds in blue print.  This particular set was manufactured by Ferd.  Piatnik & Sohne, a Viennese playing card company started in 1824 by Anton Moser.  Ferdinand Piatnik took over in 1843, marrying Moser's widow a few years later.  Piatnik's three sons joined the ranks in 1882 adding their names to their father's company name.  Ferdinand died in 1885 leaving the successful business to his sons and his widow.  By the turn of the 19th century, Ferd. Piatnik & Sohne began to expand, purchasing a sister company known as Ritter & Cie.  Piatnik & Sohne are still in business today.  The cards owned by the Hammond-Harwood House are thought to date to the late 19th century although this very set of Patience - Whist cards is still begin manufactured by the Viennese company.