Imported Argentinean Playing Cards
There has been a number of importing agents, as well as manufacturers from other countries, who have imported playing cards into Argentina.
Since the end of the monopoly of the Real Fábrica de Naipes de Macharaviaya (Spain) in 1815, there have been a number of importing agents, as well as manufacturers from other countries, who have imported playing cards into Argentina. These include Fló Hnos. y Cía, Casa Jacobo Peuser Ltda, Julio Laje and Bertrand Domec (see full list of Importers). In general, and until 1968, these imported packs show the brown or orange Argentinean importation tax stamp "Impuestos Internos" on the ace of hearts for Anglo-american style decks, or on the four of cups in Spanish-suited packs, as illustrated in the examples shown below.
Above: "No.9352 Squeezers" manufactured by Consolidated Dougherty Card Co Inc., New York, for export to Argentina. The ace of hearts features three orange "Impuestos Internos" tax stamps instead of the usual one, and a small overprint 'Naipes Lavados'. This refers to the practise of refurbishing used decks which were then taxed for a second time. The importer's name Casa Bertrand Domec is overprinted on the ace of hearts. Similar packs were also imported into England by Mudie & Sons.
Above: two cards from "BEAUTIFUL BRITAIN" playing cards manufactured by John Waddington Ltd with a pale brown Impuestos Internos tax stamp. The importer's details on the ace of hearts reads: “Casa Jacobo Peuser Ltda., San Martin 200 Buenos Aires” ►
Above: two cards from "NO-92 ABEJA/BEE" playing cards for import into Argentina, manufactured in USA by The N.Y. Consolidated Card Co (Consolidated-Dougherty Card Co. Inc). The importer's details on the ace of hearts reads: "Casa Bertrand Domec de Fagoaga y Fernandez Importadores, Tacauri 127, Buenos Aires".
Above: two cards from a pack of playing cards by Hija de B. Fournier for export to Argentina, c.1945, imported by Julio Laje whose details are printed at the bottom of the card. The pale brown "Impuestos Internos" tax stamp is visible in the upper half of the card.
Above: detail from outer wrapper of a pack manufactured by Heraclio Fournier, Vitoria, Spain in around 1955-60, subsequently imported into Argentina by Bertrand Domec whose details are printed on the wrapper.
Left: side panel from a Spanish-suited pack manufactured in West Germany by F.X.Schmid Argentina S.A. c.1970. |
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.
Related Articles
Naipes Gauchescos Argentinos
“Naipes Gauchescos Argentinos” with re-styled Spanish suit-symbols reflecting Argentinean culture, 2...
La Cumparsita Tango deck
Tango playing cards manufactured in Argentina, 2001.
G. Berger, Buenos Aires, c.1935-50
Berger also produced a Hungarian-type "Seasons" pack with the brand name "La Estrella" and a six-poi...
Julio Laje
Julio Laje, importing agent for playing cards, Aconquija 2981, Buenos Aires, c.1930-1960.
Casa Jacobo Peuser
Casa Jacobo Peuser was originally founded in 1867, and was involved in the importation of playing ca...
Anonymous manufacturers 1
Argentina has produced a series of anonymous decks, both Spanish-suited and Anglo-American type and ...
Anonymous manufacturers 2
Argentina has produced a series of anonymous decks, both Spanish-suited and Anglo-American type and ...
Standard playing cards manufactured by Joker S.A.
Standard playing cards manufactured by Joker S.A.
Alvarez Holmberg y Cia,
Alvarez Holmberg y Cia, playing card manufacturer, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1950-70
Argentinian Playing Cards - Naipes Argentinos
Playing cards were introduced to the Americas with Spanish explorers such as Columbus or Cortés.
Naipes La Banca
Naipes La Banca, Argentina c.1970-85.
Impuestos Internos Sobre Naipes
Duty was first introduced on playing cards in Argentina in 1892, as part of the Internal Duties law,...
Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A.
Founded in 1889 as Compañía General de Fósforos, and favoured by certain economic factors, the firm ...
List of Argentinian Playing Card Manufacturers
List of Argentinian Playing Card Manufacturers from the 19th and 20th centuries.
La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires
La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires c.1878-1920, manufacturers of paper and playing cards.
Ricardo Sopena
Argentina importing agent Ricardo Sopena, Corrientes 920, Buenos Aires
Bertrand Domec, Buenos Aires 1904-1970
Bertrand Domec was an importer of playing cards into Argentina, 1904-1970.
Ernesto Flaiban - Quality Control
Sr. Ernesto Flaiban, founder and president of E. Flaiban S.A., is seen here checking the quality of ...
Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80
Nascal S.R.L., Paisandu 760, Buenos Aires c.1960-80, manufacturers of plastic playing cards.
Souvenir Playing Cards
Argentina publishes many tourist souvenir packs, usually with colour pictures on each card, and with...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
