"El Perú" Fabrica de Cigarrillos Roldan y Cia, Lima

Above: eight cards from a fantasy publicity pack for the Peruvian tobacco company Roldan y Cia, San José 66, Lima. c.1890.
40 cards, miniature size: 36x55 mm. The design of the figures is very agile with excellent colour harmony and execution.

An identical, full sized pack was made for the French firm Joseph Bardou & Fils for the Philippines (see "La Sota" No.26, March 2002). Only the legends and advertising slogans have changed. Manufacturer unknown, but believed to have been Spanish.

 
Thanks to Alberto Pérez for advice and references. © 2002 The World of Playing Cards.