Cadiz-Catalan style pack
High-quality standard designs by Sebastián Comas y Ricart, Barcelona, Spain, 1896.
This pack oozes quality and became the prototype of the Cadiz-Catalan style pack which was customised for customers in South America, especially in Buenos Aires. The brand is “EL CIERVO” and the trade mark can be seen on the four of coins. Many of the cards carry extra text – “SUPERFINO” on 2 of Coins, “DEL No 7” on 7 of Coins, “NAIPES DE UNA HOJA. PRIMER FLORETE.” on 2 of Cups, “CORTE TABLA” on Ace of Swords, etc. – indicating the quality attributes of the product. The maker’s name appears on the 4 of Coins and the 4 of Cups and the date 1896 on the 4 of Cups and the 5 of Batons. The extensive range of colours used is stunning and gives the pack a remarkably modern look.
Above: Cadiz-Catalan style pack by Sebastián Comas y Ricart, Barcelona, Spain, 1896. 48 cards. Size: 62 x 94 mm. Square corners. Red and white checked backs.
Note: this pack is not shown in the book on the history of Comas (“Naipes Comas 1797-1992”). However, it appears to be the prototype for the Cadiz-Catalan style pack made for customers in Buenos Aires (Argentina) including La Primitiva and Bertrand Domec (see plate no. 32A in “Naipes Comas” where the same range of colours has been used and the same style of crown appears on the Ace of Coins). See also: Naipes “Cristal” No.9►
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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