Jeu D’Aluettes - Boéchat Frères c.1950
Jeu D’Aluettes manufactured by Boéchat Frères, Bordeaux, c.1950 with archaic Spanish features mixed with the standard Catalan pattern
Aluette pack manufactured by Boéchat Frères, Bordeaux, c.1950. Aluette cards tend to have features found on archaic Spanish cards, and these cards are a sort of hybrid between standard 19th/20th century Aluette and the relatively modern Spanish Catalan pattern. The characteristic, slightly mischievous additions, or embellishments, to the lower numeral cards and mounted cavalières (female, no.11) are in the style of French Aluette cards, but the sotas (male jacks, no.10), kings (no.12), the Spanish suit symbol designs and anchor-caducceus motif on the four of coins are in the style of the standard Spanish Catalan pattern. The box describes the cards as: “Jeu D’Aluettes Vernies Nº 46”.
Above: Jeu D’Aluettes manufactured by Boéchat Frères, Bordeaux, c.1950. 48 varnished cards in cardboard box. The maker’s initials I.B.F. Bordeaux can be seen on the ace of coins.
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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