Argentinian Playing Cards
List of Manufacturers
Naipes Argentinos
Playing Cards in Argentina employ Spanish suit symbols: cups, swords, coins and clubs (termed copas, espadas, oros and bastos).
Above left: Argentinean playing cards, made in Buenos Aires in 1815 by M.J. Gandarillas, a Chilean immigrant. The ace of coins shows the emblem of the newly established Federal Republic, the four of cups a rising sun within a laurel wreath. The remainder of the pack resembles the Spanish National pattern. more → |
Above right: ace of coins and king of swords by José Maria Quercia y Possi, an Italo-Chilean immigrant who also set up business in Buenos Aires in 1815. The pack is based on the Spanish Maciá pattern. |
Adans S.A., 1982
Anonymous Political Pack, c.1890
Anonymous manufacturers, 1940s onwards
Apeles S.A., 1950s
Arco Iris, 1999
Argenar, 1980s
Asociart, c.2000
Bahía Graf, ??-present
Bedaumine Hnos, c.1950-1960
G. Berger, 1935-195?
Cappellano, c.1920-85
Conrado & Carlos Camilloni, c.1940-1950
Casa Escasany, 1930s-40s
Chemmes, Eduardo Antonio, 1950-1960
Cia General de Fósforos, 1889-1929
Cia Gral Fabril Financiera, 1929-77
Clark's, 1970s
Mario Colombo, 1940-c.1970
Cromy S.A., 1983-95
Della Penna, c.1940-1978
Difusora S.A., 1980s
Igor Domicelj, c.1945-55
Editorial Gráfica Flores, c.1975-90
Editorial Kier, 1960-1980
Editorial Perfil, 1999-2000
Flaiban & Camilloni Lda, 1936-42
E. Flaiban, 1943-1970
Fourvel, Luis A., c.1930-1960
Franco, E. P., 1942-1955
Gandarillas, M.J., 1815-1817
Gath & Chaves Ltd, 1920s
Francisco Girbau, 1890-1930
Gráfica S.A., 1975-1998
Gráfica 2001 - Naipes La Española, 1998-present
Grupo AGG, 2006
Alvarez Holmberg, c.1950-1970
Hijitus, 1980s
Impresores S.C.A., c.1975-present
Joker S.A., 1977-present
Juegos Victoria (Jugetes Royal), c.1965-75
Kolorit, 1998
La Banca, c.1975-1985
La Primitiva, 1878-c.1920
Ministerio de Salud de la Nación (Ministry of Health), 1992-present
Naipes Castilla, c.1980-1985
Nascal S.R.L., c.1960-80
Obsequios Empresarios Argentinos, 1965-present
Paisanito S.R.L, 1952-3
Partido Peronista (Dupuy), 1951
Industrias Gráficas Pesout S.A., c.1990-present
José Maria Quercia y Possi, 1815-16
Justo Rodero, c.1930-present
Offset Sacerdoti, S.A., 1941-present
J.F. Sánchez, c.1890-95
F.X. Schmid Argentina, c.1975-1980
Fray Solano García, 1816
Taller 4, c.2000
VIGOR S.R.L., 1955-c.1975
Virgo S.C.A., c.1975-80
Zecat, 1994-present
It is assumed that playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés. Cards would almost certainly have travelled from Spain, and stories are told of them being improvised from drum-skins. Later, locally-made cards were deemed illegal by the Spanish authorities who wished to exploit their monopoly, for which purpose the 'Real Fábrica de Naipes de Macharaviaya' (1776-1815) was established, officially supplying playing cards for Central and South American colonies and controlled by the 'Ministerio de Hacienda' in Madrid. These cards are in the so-called 'National Spanish' style.
However, there were many problems with the cards, including poor quality and high prices in comparison with locally manufactured ones. In 1815 the 'Real Fábrica' was closed and once again local playing card industries were legally licensed to operate in their respective countries. By 1830 there were at least four playing card manufacturers in Buenos Aires. Native Indian cards, modelled on the Spanish pack, are a curious spin-off. See complete list here.
Argentinian playing cards have followed Spanish styles, notably the Maciá, Cádiz and Catalan patterns which became established during the 19th century based on models imported from Spain, notably by Fló Hnos and Bertrand Domec. See: List of Manufacturers and Importers
Many packs published in Argentina contain references to Argentina's national identity such as National Symbolism, Politics, Gauchos, Tango dance, Bull Breeding and Folklore. However, for everyday games requiring a Spanish-suited pack, a simple version of the Spanish Catalan pattern is commonly used.
Several varieties of Cartomancy, Fortune-Telling, Tarock and Tarot packs have been produced in Argentina, as well as a number of souvenir packs, card games, advertising packs, etc.
