Anon Spanish Cards c.1875

Published February 22, 2016 • Updated January 19, 2023

Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères, c.1875.

Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium, c.1875

Cards from an anonymous Spanish-suited pack made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères c.1875 for export to Spanish-speaking markets (North Africa, Latin America, Spain). Stencil-coloured. The lion motif on the ace of coins is a common feature on Spanish packs from this era, and the wrapper also features a lion lying between two trees. The basket of flowers is often seen on Belgian-made Spanish-suited cards.

Anonymous Spanish-Suited Playing Cards, c.1875

Above: image courtesy Stefan Lauwers.

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

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.

Activity for Anon Spanish Cards c.1875

Stefan Lauwers

17 January 2023, 15:04

Hello, I hope I'm not mistaken, but this same deck was attributed to the Turnhout factory 'Mesmaekers Frères', and not 'Biermans', in the book "Turnhoutse Speelkaarten", from 1983. deck n° 104, page 106. The book was written by E. Van Autenboer and Filip Cremers, both former directors of the Turnhout National Playing Card Museum. You might want to check this. Also in a recent internet-sale in Bordeaux (France) the deck was attributed to Mesmaekers rather then Biermans. Unfortunately, I don't see a possibility to add a picture to this reply. Kind Regards.

Simon Wintle

19 January 2023, 14:26

Hi Stefan, many thanks for your helpful feedback. We have corrected the error and also added the image from the book which you mention.

WoPC member

25 March 2024, 08:53

Mil gracias Stefan, de todas formas mi baraja es ligeramente distinta...intentaré poner resto de naipes, aunque igual no difiere nada de lo comentado.

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Anon Spanish Cards c.1875

Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium, c.1875

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