Hija de B Fournier
Having started out as Fournier Hermanos, Burgos in 1860, the company remained in the Fournier family undergoing several changes of name and finally becoming Hija de B. Fournier sometime around 1900.
Hija de B. Fournier, Burgos
c.1900-1978
Right: detail from Hija de B. Fournier playing card wrapper showing Burgos cathedral and an ace of coins, c.1940.
Having started out as Fournier Hermanos, Burgos in 1860, over time and as events unfolded, this branch of the company remained in the Fournier family undergoing several changes of name as it passed from generation to generation, finally becoming Hija de B. Fournier sometime around 1900. The factory remained in the original location where several types of playing cards continued to be produced (Spanish and English types) and also, for a short period during the Spanish Civil War, postage stamps were also produced. Playing Card brands include: Opaco 1ª; Marfil 1ª; Marfil 2ª; Florete; No.4 A; Poker Español & Poker No.52. The company was finally closed down in 1978.
Above: cards from a pack of 'Florete' playing cards printed lithographically by Hija de B. Fournier, Burgos c.1945 for export to Argentina. The Argentinean import tax stamp and the name of the importing agent can be seen on the four of cups. The ace of coins contains a bust of Philip V on a medallion with Spanish flags draped either side, above a cannon and a sleeping lion on a plinth.
Marfil 1ª & Marfil 2ª
Above: cards from a pack of 'Marfil 1ª' playing cards printed lithographically by Hija de B. Fournier, Burgos for export to Argentina, c.1945. The Ace of Coins has a blue scroll at the top and the Spanish exportation tax stamp is visible on the four of clubs.
Above: cards from a pack of 'Marfil 2ª' playing cards printed lithographically by Hija de B. Fournier, Burgos for export to Argentina, c.1940. The Ace of Coins has a red scroll at the top.
Above: cards from a pack of 'No.4 A' Anglo-American style playing cards printed by Hija de B. Fournier, Burgos c.1940 for export to Argentina. The brown Argentinean importation tax stamp and the importing agent's details are overstamped onto the ace of hearts. The Spanish exportation tax stamp is visible on the four of clubs. See the box here→
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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