Julio Laje
Julio Laje, importing agent for playing cards, Aconquija 2981, Buenos Aires, c.1930-1960.
Julio Laje, importador
Aconquija 2981, Buenos Aires, c.1930-1960
Julio Laje imported decks manufactured in USA and published by E.E. Fairchild Co. during the 1930s and 1940s era.
Above: twin set of 'Haddon Hall' playing cards manufactured by E.E. Fairchild Corporation (USA) and imported into Argentina by Julio Laje, Buenos Aires, c.1930s. The green 50 Centavos tax bands wrapped around the decks, which along with the orange/brown 'Mercury' tax stamp on the Ace of Hearts were used between 1924-1943, show the importer's details overprinted in the panel at the end. The selling price is also overstamped on the tax band (detail shown below). The importer's details and tax stamp are also overprinted on the Aces of Hearts.
Right: the box containing the twin decks shown above. A similer box housed the decks shown below.
Below: another set similar to the twin decks shown above, showing the Joker and Ace of Spades, with the same tax stamp and importing agent's details overprinted on the Ace of Hearts. Interestingly, the design of the Joker was the inspiration for Jokers made in Uruguay by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana and their successors Ingrapa.
E.E. Fairchild Co. published many varieties of Bridge sized cards and advertising decks during the 1930s & 1940s.
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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