P. Buscaglia: Spanish-suited cards

Published July 08, 2023 • Updated July 08, 2023

Spanish-suited cards published by P. Buscaglia, Mele & Genova.

Spanish-suited playing cards in the old Spanish National pattern published by P. Buscaglia, Mele & Genova, late 19th century. Cards like these, usually of rudimentary quality, were mostly produced in France for export to North Africa, but also produced anonymously in Morocco and elsewhere; these were produced in Italy. On the ace of coins are the arms of Leon and Castile, with the inscription "P. Buscaglia, Mele and Genova" and Italian duty stamps "per l'Estero". The cards were evidently made for export to foreign shores.

Spanish-suited cards published by P Buscaglia, Mele & Genova, late 19th century. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: Spanish-suited cards published by P Buscaglia, Mele & Genova, late 19th century. 40 cards, hand-coloured woodcut. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.822►

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Spanish 8) [digital version here]

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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.

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P. Buscaglia: Spanish-suited cards

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