Mario Colombo
Naipes "OBELISCO" by Mario Colombo, Rodriguez Peña 385, Buenos Aires (Argentina), c.1950.
Mario Colombo
Naipes "OBELISCO" by Mario Colombo, Rodriguez Peña 385, Buenos Aires, c.1950
Mario Colombo's "Naipes Obelisco" - described as naipe fino para poker but printed on low grade stock - feature an Ace of Spades and Jokers directly copied from those of John Waddington (England). Mario Colombo also produced Taroquis "Obelisco" for which the address was given as Rodriguez Peña 335. There may have been a typographical error as here it is given as Rodriguez Peña 385. Although Mario Colombo is named as the manufacturer, the cards were probably produced by Ernesto Flaiban who was also printing virtually identical cards for E. A. Chemmes, E.P. Franco and others around this time.
Right: the box shows a drawing of the obelisk built in 1936 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Buenos Aires.
Above: Naipes "OBELISCO" by Mario Colombo, Rodriguez Peña 385, Buenos Aires (Argentina), c.1950. 52 cards + 2 jokers in box, available with either blue or brown backs.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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