Help identifying the theme on this scarf (Latin/German "Wheel"?)

[TeamSparkleVintage]

Hi everyone-another scarf! This scarf is by "Saldarini" of Italy, and I *think* it's vintage from the 1980s judging by the tags... I could really use some assistance identifying the motif however! The image shows a large wheel, with Renaissance or Medieval figures...there are words that appear to be written in Latin or German. The words are "Gelvinnt" and "Verliert" or "Berliert". They each have a number after them...it's really unique and interesting, but I'm sadly at a total loss as to what the official term for this "wheel-thing" is, LOL! I tried Googling the words but couldn't find much...if anyone has any information on this, that would be very much appreciated!! Thank you !

 

[Midge]

I can help you a little . It is German - it's "gewinnt" - wins and "verliert" - looses. It's just the old script that makes some characters look weird. So it's like some kind of fortune's wheel game. I've done a few searches around, but so far haven't found anything that looks like it.
The figure roughly look like ca. 17th century to me, maybe early 18th? It seems they represent different types - and countries. I see what looks like early depictions of Native Americans, and there's a guy with a scimitar - could be Hungarian, Turkish or anything that was under or influenced by Ottoman rule then... and I think there's a guy wearing a turban too? It would be interesting to see more close-ups of the figures.

 

[Julie C.]

Could this be the old "Merchant At The Fair" (Mercante In Fiera) card game?! Very popular Italian card game. The cards are inspired by nature or every day's life and subjects are usually animals, flower/fruits, warriors/hunters, etc...

 

[Midge]

I'm not familiar with the game, but that fits the motifs on the scarf. Maybe it existed in Germany too...

 

[TeamSparkleVintage]

Thank you Karin and Julie!! I think you are probably right Julie, it does seem right, that it is a variation of the Merchant at the Fair game. Attached are some close-ups of the characters .

 

[Midge]

Thanks! That guy with the scimitar looks he's wearing a traditional costume that may be from the Balkans or Greece. I'll go with 18th century for the depiction of the figures.