Naipes Vigor S.R.L.

Published March 03, 2010 Updated July 11, 2023

VIGOR S.R.L (1955 - c1975) manufactured a range of playing cards and card games, including Chinita, La Estrella, Barcelonesa, La Española, Fantasio, Las Rosas, Pokerin, Cartas Gitanas and a Hungarian Seasons pack.

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Vigor S.R.L.

VIGOR S.R.L (1955 - c1975) manufactured a range of playing cards and card games, including “Chinita”, “La Estrella”, “Barcelonesa”, “La Española”, “Fantasio”, “Las Rosas”, “Pokerin”, “Ataque”, “Cartas Gitanas”, and a Hungarian “Seasons” pack.

The name Igor Domicelj appearing on early packs (early 1950s) suggests that the company name “Vigor” may have been inspired by the founder's forename. At some later stage the company became Vigor S.A.C.I. After successively becoming Virgo S.C.A., and finally Gráfica 2001 ("Naipes La Española"), the firm’s successors are still active today.

Naipes 'La Barcelonesa', c.1948

Above: Spanish suited Cadiz-style pack, with the brand name "Barcelonesa", as used by Vigor S.R.L. since 1955 and still used today. The designs are based on an earlier Spanish model

Below: tax band from a pack by Igor Domicelj, early 1950s.


Naipes Tipo Húngaro, c.1958

Above: Hungarian style playing cards manufactured by Igor Domicelj alias Vigor S.R.L. in 1950s and 1960s. The six-pointed star and wheat motif, which resembles a brand of health foods, appears to have been inherited from G. Berger who operated during the 1940s.

Below: Cartas Gitanas fortune telling cards, 1950s or early 60s. Originally published by Igor Domicelj, then in successive editions by Vigor S.R.L. into the 1960s. The Patent Office Registration documents, dated 1955, show the designs registered at the time of the take-over.

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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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