Napoletane Plastificate

In addition to the original Neapolitan pattern featuring Batons, Swords, Cups, and Coins) manufactured by Modiano in Trieste, numerous secondary manufacturers produce regional variants, such as this deck. These playing cards were manufactured in China for the distributor "Pamas Import Export S.R.L.", a real estate and wholesale enterprise based in Poggiomarino operating primarily in the B2B sector. The fact that these cards are printed on plastic serves as a key selling point in the Italian market, as it is explicitly advertised on the packaging .

Differences to the Original Neapolitan Cards

The most noticeable difference is the size of the cards: while the original Modiano cards measure 86 x 50 mm, these cards are longer, with a length of 95 mm. The color palette also differs, utilizing lighter and brighter shades where the orange appears pink and the green approaches a neon hue. The Modiano logo has obviously been removed from the signature card, the 4 of Cups. Similarly, Modiano's lettering was removed from the lower section of the frame on the Ace of Coins, as well as from the banner on the 4 of Coins. The coat of arms of Triest on this card was also removed, leaving a plain red shield, even though the municipal coat of arms is not a protected trademark. Interestingly, the decorative floral wreath on the 4 of Swords was removed, despite also not representing a Modiano trademark.

Author's Note

I visited my Italian friends who were doing an Erasmus semester in Switzerland, whose student housing was scheduled for demolition after the semester ended. During the cleanup, this deck of cards was left behind. Although it is not a very special edition deck, it holds great significance for me, as it was the very first deck that opened my eyes to the variety of the playing card world.