Spanische Spielkarten "Naipes Finos" No.304, manufactured by B. Dondorf designed by the catalan artist Apel-les Mestres, Barcelona, 1902.
A brief survey of the designs of English cards in South America.
A continuation of the survey of designs used in Central and South America.
Agostino Bergallo Spanish pattern made for South American countries
“America” playing cards designed by Teodoro N Miciano, 1960
Anonymous archaic Spanish Suited pack, c.1760
Naipes Argentinos 'La Partida' y 'Aparcero' published by Obsequios Empresarios Argentinos, Santa Fe
It is assumed that playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés. Argentinian playing cards have followed Spanish styles, based on models imported from Spain.
“Baraja Hispanoamericana” published by Asescoin, with artwork by Ortuño, illustrates memorable people from the discovery, colonisation and subsequent liberation of Hispanic America
The famous ‘Bicycle’ brand had been introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co. in 1885 and they became the best known brand in the world. On this basis the United States Playing Card Co. issued Spanish versions of their flagship brand
C. Della Penna S.A. playing card manufacturer and publisher, Buenos Aires, c.1930-1978
Naipes Casa Escasany ~ Magnificent novelty playing cards published by Casa Escasany, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1930s
Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, founded in 1893.
Pack of souvenir playing cards made in Quito, Ecuador, featuring black & white photographs depicting Ecuador as one of the great nations on Earth
Naipes “Copa de Oro 1980” manufactured by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, 1980
Sebastian Comas y Ricart - Hija de A. Comas “El Ciervo” Spanish Catalan pattern, c.1930
Naipes Intransparentes de Una Hoja No.55 made by Hijos de Heraclio Fournier (Vitoria) for exportation to Argentina, c.1940.
Francisco Girbau & Cia, Buenos Aires, c.1890-1935
Playing cards manufactured in Italy by Giuseppe Cattino and Paolo Montanar for Spanish markets.
Grimaud Spanish pattern, c.1880
Spanish-suited playing cards made specially for the Instituto Nacional de Calidad 2006 awards
Justo Rodero e Hijos, playing card manufacturer in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lagos del Sur Souvenir playing cards published by Gráfica S.A., Buenos Aires, c.1980.
Tacuabé was a Charrúa native from Uruguay, an indigenous tribe that became extinct following European conquest and colonisation.
Playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés, whose fellow countrymen were keen gamblers. Cards were imported from Spain since the 16th century. Local production usually imitated Spanish cards.
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack for export to Spanish colonies and South American countries, c.1875
Minifusor Clásico, a modern re-drawing of the Catalan pattern published by Difusora, c.1980.
A colourful version of the Spanish Catalan pattern from Colombia, with a crowing cockerel on the 4 of cups.
An example of the typical version of the Spanish Catalan pattern which is widely used in South American countries, especially Argentina, Chile and Uruguay
Naipes ‘Retruco’ published by Fantasias S.A., Montevideo, c.1980.
Naipes Artiguistas published in Concepción del Uruguay, Entre Rios province (Argentina) in 1816, by Fray Solano García.
“Naipes Criollos” Gaucho playing cards, 1995.
Standard Catalan-type deck, titled "El Mexicano", by an anonymous Argentinean manufacturer, c.1980s
“Naipes Joketa” by anonymous manufacturer, c.1975. A slightly elaborated version of conosur pattern.
Naipes No. 71 Los Leones
Naipes Victoria Spanish-suited, gaucho-themed pack celebrating the culture and traditions of the gauchos.
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.
Belgian manufacturers were competing against Spanish makers. Features of the traditional Spanish designs, including many well-known brands, were imitated or plagiarised. Often they were anonymous so as to avoid importation duties in the destination country.
Not a lot of playing cards have been produced in Panama, only a couple of locally-produced tourist souvenir packs.
Paraguayan Playing Cards
Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals, c.1998 & Bodegas Trapiche, 2003
Cards of the Spanish National Pattern 'Money Bag' type manufactured by Pedro Bosio, Genova (Italy) probably during the 18th century and for export to Spain or South America.
Cards of the Spanish National Pattern manufactured by Pedro Bosio, Genova (Italy) during the 18th century for export to South America.
Anglo-American pattern for Pedro Domecq Mexican brandy made by Productos Leo S.A., c.2000
There has been very little playing card manufacture in Ecuador. Cards are mostly supplied from Colombia, Argentina & Spain. Known brand names include: Willy Wilson, La Raspa and El Heraldo. Some locally-made tourist souvenir packs are also known including Naipe Ciudad de Quito and Galapagos Islands souvenir cards.
Playing cards manufactured by Joker S.A.
Playing cards for Radisson Hotels - Casinos del Estado - Victoria Plaza, Montevideo, Uruguay, c.2009
This is the official Spanish National pattern of the 18th century. Design and production was controlled from Madrid as a source of national or regional revenue. The factory was located in the town of Macharaviaya, in the province of Málaga.
The example of Spanish-suited silver cards shown here is grotesquely embellished and enamelled. It came from a former Spanish Viceroy in Peru and is dated 1745.
