Anonymous manufacturers 1
Argentina has produced a series of anonymous decks, both Spanish-suited and Anglo-American type and children's games.
Anonymous producers of playing cards in Argentina [page 1 | page 2]
Argentina has produced a series of anonymous decks, both Spanish-suited and Anglo-American type and children's games. At the same time, a number of longer-established playing card manufacturers closed down or went out of business, thereby providing opportunities for smaller, more competitive businesses to enter the market. Many of these chose to remain anonymous. Some printing companies produce one-off editions of playing cards which are not easy to identify.
Decks may carry the inscription "Industria Argentina" but no further details of their manufacturers are available.
El Negrito Pedro, c.1940
Right: cards from a 33-card children's game titled El Negrito Pedro, manufactured anonymously, c.1950s.
(Click the images to see more).
Anonymous Children’s Cards, c.1930s
Right: cards from a children’s deck of miniature Spanish-suited playing cards, 40 cards, manufactured anonymously, possibly by Della Penna & Cía, c.1930s.
(Click the image to see more).
The Jolly Joker
Right: cards from children’s deck of miniature "The Jolly Joker" playing cards, 52 cards + Joker + extra card, manufactured anonymously, c.1940s.
Clark’s Industries
Right: cards from an original Spanish-suited pack titled 'Spanish Cards' published by Clark's Industries, c.1975. 48 cards + 2 Jokers.
Naipes Joketa
Right: cards from “Naipes Joketa” by anonymous manufacturer, c.1975. A slightly elaborated version of conosur pattern.
“El Duque”
Right: cards from a standard Catalan-type deck titled “El Duque” by an anonymous manufacturer, c.1970s, based on the designs of Guarro (Barcelona). 48 cards + 2 Jokers. The Argentinean flag has been prominently added to the ace of coins.
“El Mexicano”
Right: cards from a standard Catalan-type deck, titled "El Mexicano", by an anonymous manufacturer, c.1980s, based on the designs of Guarro (Barcelona). 48 cards + 2 Jokers. The Argentinean flag has been prominently added to the ace of coins.
Naipes "El Ruedo"
Cards from another anonymous Catalan-type deck, titled "El Ruedo", c.1980. The designs are based on those of Guarro (Barcelona) but are more simplified than the above examples, and colours of the flags on the ace of coins are altered. 48 cards + 2 Jokers.
Naipes Lobo
Cards from 40-card Naipes "Lobo" by anonymous manufacturer with advertising for Anastasio Billi on the reverse, 1980s. The designs are almost identical to those published by Argenar.
Naipes "El Taita"
Cards from Naipes "El Taita", c.1990s, anonymous manufacturer (probably Naipes La Española / Gráfica 2001) based on the Spanish Cadiz pattern used by Vigor S.R.L.
Naipes “El Taita”
Right: cards from a different edition of Naipes "El Taita", c.1990s, anonymous manufacturer. The ace of coins has Argentinean and Spanish flags draped down the sides of the central shield.
(Click the images to see more).
Naipes Trebol
Right: cards from "Naipes Trebol", c.2000, anonymous manufacturer. The deck is completely uncoloured and has the same outlines as the above example of Naipes "El Taita", although the box and jokers are different. (Click the image to see more).
“Arlequin”
Right: cards from "Naipes Arlequin", c.1975, unknown manufacturer.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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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