Algeria

Algeria is a gateway between Africa and Europe. A version of the old Spanish National pattern was produced by Jacques Sellon of Marseille and Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for North African countries (Algeria & Morocco). Cards were also made by Camoin (Marseille), Malka Frères (Casablanca) and other anonymous manufacturers for export to Algeria. These were usually distinguished by a preponderance of green and a repeating pattern of stars and crescents on the backs. The tax stamp can be seen on the two of swords.

‘Naypes Finos’ - 40 cards in wrapper

Above: Spanish suited playing cards produced by B. P. Grimaud (Paris) for Algeria, around 1910. The cards have square corners and small indices. Image courtesy Juan José Pérez-Castejón.

Another slightly eartlier, almost identical pack made for Algeria is preserved in the British Museum, of which the wrapper engraved by Félix Simon (1824-1914) showing an Arab horseman galloping with a drawn sword, is shown below.

Above: wrapper from 40-card Spanish-suited pack made by B.P. Grimaud, Paris for the Algerian market, late 19th century. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Spanish-suited pack by B.P.Grimaud for the Algerian market►

Reference

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Spanish 9) [digital version here]