Mesmaekers & Moentack, c.1860
The Mesmaekers firm had been established in Turnhout in 1859 by the partnership of Gustaaf Mesmaekers and Louis-François Moentack.
The Mesmaekers firm had been established in Turnhout in 1859 by the partnership of Gustaaf Mesmaekers and Louis-François Moentack. In 1862 Moentack withdrew from the partnership, leaving Gustaaf Mesmaekers who then turned to his two brothers for their support to continue the business. From then on the firm was known as Mesmaekers Frères.
Even during this early phase of the firm's enterprise a wide range of cards was already being produced: Cartes Orientales; Bongoût; Impériales; Italiennes; Suisses; Belges; Hollandaises; Allemandes; Marbrées, etc. As shown on this page, packs with scenic aces were available, adorned with landscapes or historic events, views of the Rhine, Brazil, India, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal. These were the forerunners of the modern tourist souvenir packs.
Above: cards produced by Mesmaekers & Moentack during their partnership era, c1860. The Aces depict 2 European scenes on each Ace.
Above: a hand-operated printing press from the former Mesmaekers company in Turnhout, 1855 – 1865. National Museum of the Playing Card.
See also: Mesmaekers Spanish pack • Philips Arlita, 1925 • L'Union Fait la Force, 1945 • Ken Lodge's Blog►
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.
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