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Gath & Chaves

Published March 18, 2012 Updated August 07, 2022

Gath & Chaves, Ltd, Buenos Aires, 1883-1974.

Argentina De la Rue Gath & Chaves Grimaud Anchor
Gath & Chaves, Ltd ~ (Importers) ~ Buenos Aires

Gath & Chaves, Ltd ~ (Importers) ~ Buenos Aires

The South American Stores (Gath and Chaves) Ltd.

Gath & Chaves Ltd opened in Buenos Aires in 1883 specialising in gentleman's clothing imported from Europe, in the style of Macy's or Harrod's. The entrepreneurs Alfredo Gath (1852-1936) and Lorenzo Chaves (1854-1932) had interests in different parts in the world. Over the years the firm prospered and over 30 regional branches were opened with a legion of employees, which grew into one of the leading department stores in Argentina. A wide range of goods were sold, from hats and lingerie to gramophone records and playing-cards. Playing cards were imported from leading European manufacturers including De la Rue and Grimaud. A branch was also opened in Santiago (Chile) in 1910. The store finally closed its doors in 1974.

Anchor playing-cards manufactured by Thomas De la Rue & Co for Gath & Chaves Ltd, c.1920s

Above: pack of ‘Anchor’ playing cards manufactured by Thomas De la Rue & Co Ltd during the c.1920s and early 30s for Gath & Chaves Ltd, Buenos Aires, using the Goodall & Son name and court card designs, which had been acquired in the 1921 take-over. Gath & Chaves' original price label is still affixed to the box. The Argentinian importation tax stamp can be seen on the Ace of Hearts (below).

Anchor playing cards manufactured by Thomas De la Rue & Co for Gath & Chaves Ltd, c.1920s

During this period other large department stores operated in Buenos Aires and many of these stocked imported playing cards.  See also:   Fló HermanosBertrand DomecCasa Jacobo PeuserCasa EscasanyHarrodsJulio Laje

Club playing cards manufactured by B.P. Grimaud for Gath & Chaves Ltd, c.1920s

Above: 'Club' playing cards manufactured by B.P. Grimaud for Gath & Chaves Ltd, c.1920s. The Ace of Hearts and the box carry the Gath & Chaves logo.

Links to other Argentine manufacturers: Adans S.A.Anonymous Political PackAnonymous manufacturersArco IrisArgenarAsociartBahía GrafBedaumineBergerCappellanoCasa EscasanyChemmes, E. A.Cia General de FósforosFabril FinancieraClark'sMario ColomboCromyDella PennaDifusoraDomiceljEditorial Gráfica FloresEditorial KierEditorial PerfilFlaiban & CamilloniFlaibanFourvelFranco, E. P.GandarillasGirbauGráfica S.A.Gráfica 2001Grupo AGGHolmbergImpresores S.C.A.Joker S.A.Juegos VictoriaKoloritLa BancaLa PrimitivaMinisterio de SaludNascalObsequios Empresarios ArgentinosPaisanitoPartido PeronistaIndustrias Gráficas PesoutQuercia y PossiJusto RoderoOffset SacerdotiJ.F. SánchezSchmid ArgentinaSolano GarcíaTaller 4VigorVirgo S.C.A.Zecat

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.

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