Bertschinger y Codina - Cartes Françaises
French ‘Paris’ pattern made by Bertschinger y Codina, Barcelona, c.1850.
Single-ended French ‘Paris’ pattern pack (Cartes Françaises) made by Bertschinger y Codina, Barcelona, c.1850. The court cards have the normal fleurs-de-lis decorations and historical names, while the manufacturer’s name and address in Barcelona appears on the wrapper
Above: standard French ‘Paris’ pattern made by Bertschinger y Codina, Plaza del Correo Viejo nº 12, Barcelona, c.1850. Square corners, stencil-coloured, 32 cards in wrapper. Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes au portrait français édité pour l'Espagne►
Change of address of Bertschinger y Codina playing card factory, 1845
Above: Diario de Barcelona 8 March 1845.
France had a significant cultural influence on Spain during the 19th century, and adopting French designs helped Spanish manufacturers appeal to consumers who admired French culture and aesthetics. Thus, by producing these cards, Bertschinger y Codina could tap into a broader international market and meet the preferences of a diverse audience. They may even have been used in gambling establishments.
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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