HONDURAS

Above: pack made in Honduras based upon the Spanish catalan pattern, and with a slightly modified ace of coins.

Honduras shares a long tradition with Spain in the field of playing cards. In 1583 one Alonso Martínez de Orteguilla was authorised to administer the manufacture and sale of playing cards in New Mexico (which included Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras). Local production was effectively suppressed and cards supplied from Spain or Mexico.

Throughout the 17th - 19th centuries packs were mostly in the Spanish National pattern. These were followed by others such as the 'Llombart' or 'Plumed Hat' style, the Cádiz and Catalan types, Fournier's Castilian design, as well as new Mexican designs.