Naipes La Banca produced a series of standard and advertising decks during the 1970-80s, both Spanish-suited and Anglo-American patterns, as well as an "Egyptian Tarot" deck. The words "Naipes La Banca” and/or "Industria Argentina” usually appear somewhere on the cards, although no further details of the manufacturer are known.
Anglo-American Pattern
Above: Naipes La Banca’s standard Anglo-American style deck for Calfat coffin makers, c.1975. 52 cards + 2 jokers. The ace of spades and court cards are based on American designs.
Above: Naipes La Banca’s standard Jumbo index deck for Willy Keni leather goods with the ‘Beefeater’ joker , c.1976. 52 cards + 2 jokers.
Right: alternative version of the ‘Beefeater’ joker in a deck for YPF energy, c.1975 →
Spanish-Suited Patterns
Decks come with either 40-cards, or 48 cards + 2 jokers (comodin). 40-card decks have no 8s, 9s or jokers.
Above: Naipes La Banca’s standard Spanish pattern, an original re-drawing of the Catalan pattern, c.1975. Identical decks were subsequently produced in the 1980s or 90s with the brand name "Naipes Castilla" by Offest Sacerdoti Printers, Bs. As., who list playing cards in their range of products.
Above: 4 of cups and 2 jokers (comodin) from 48-card deck produced by Naipes La Banca for Ford Sierra, c.1982.
Above: cards based on Fournier's "Castilian" pattern with an original Joker and the legend 'La Banca' appearing in several places.
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Right: cards from another Spanish-suited deck based on Fournier's "Castilian" pattern, but with a simpler ace of coins. The Argentinean flag is draped around the sides and a lion, cornucopia and anchor appear at the bottom. |
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By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
View ArticlesCurator and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996.