El Fenix

Naipe Fino El Fenix
Clemente Jacques y Cia, Mexico
Clemente Jacques' Naipe Fino El Fenix is one of several alternative names for the same pack. In it's earliest days it was titled Club (c.1900-20), then Casino (1920s), Minerva (1950s), El Fenix (c.1960-70s) and Valenciano. Normal sized and patience sized packs are known and in later editions the cardboard is very thin and translucent.

Above: Naipe Fino El Fenix by Clemente Jacques y Cia S.A., Mexico, c.1960-70. 40 cards. The manufacturer's name can be read on the Four of Coins and the Pages of Swords and Coins. The manufacturer's address is given on the box as: Oriente 237 No.50, Mexico 9, D.F. This is not the usual address, which was usually F.C. de Cintura 1.
In 1970 the former Clemente Jacques y Cia, S.A. changed hands and was renamed Pasatiempos Gallo S.A. In 1990 it became Pasatiempos Gallo S.A. de C.V.

Above: El Fenix Spanish-suited playing cards made by Pasatiempos Gallo S.A. de C.V., Mexico, c.2000. 40 cards. Some small details have changed from the above edition but on the whole the designs are the same; the Ace of Coins has the legend El Fenix in white with a bird's head above. The index number 1 on the Ace of Coins is in a larger font size. The manufacturer's name can be read on the Four of Coins and the Pages of Swords and Coins.
García Martín, Enrique: Clemente Jacques, in LA SOTA no.15, Asescoin, Madrid, September 1996