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 Mónaco, Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A.

Naipes Mónaco playing-cards, Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1960.

Argentina Cia Gral Fabril Financiera S.A. Mónaco

Naipes "MÓNACO" Anglo-American style playing cards by Cía Gral Fabril Financiera S.A., Iriarte 2035, Bs As, c.1960. See the box►

Naipes Mónaco, Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1960

Above: cards from a lesser known brand, Naipes de poker MÓNACO, made by Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., Iriarte 2035, Buenos Aires, c.1960. 52 cards + 2 jokers in a special box. The ace of hearts has a green ‘Marianne’ tax stamp which was used between c.1953-1968. The two jokers feature a mandolin player. Fabril’s more common Anglo-American brand was Naipes El Heraldo, which have the same court card designs based on those of Goodall.

By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

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

Naipes Mónaco, Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A.

By Simon Wintle

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