Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.

Naipes VELCAP c.1950

Naipes VELCAP playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1950,

Argentina Cappellano Vel Cap

Naipes VELCAP playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, S.R.L., publishers and playing card manufacturers, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1950

Cappellano's address is given as Sarmiento 1537-43, and a telephone number is also given as T.E. 35‑6168. Cappellano's capital is stated as $200,000. Orestes A. Cappellano are now distributors as well as manufacturers of their own cards.

VELCAP playing cards c.1950

Below: 1 Peso orange tax band, normally used on home-manufactured Anglo-American decks, as in this example. In conjunction with the later version of the "Mercury" tax stamp on the ace of hearts, the date can be estimated at around 1948-52.

By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

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Curator and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996.

Naipes VELCAP c.1950

Naipes VELCAP playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, S.R.L., publishers and playing card manufacturers, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1950

By Simon Wintle

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