Sebastian Comas y Ricart, Barcelona

Above: 8 cards from “El Ciervo” standard Catalan-type pack made in Barcelona by Sebastian Comas y Ricart, c.1905-10. The ace of coins shows a decorated base or plinth supporting various trophies evoking maritime trade and prosperity: an anchor, a caduceus, a cornucopia, a barrel, a large medallion or shield displaying a crowned head, and flags, all topped by a crown.

This design was exported extensively to South America and adopted by Cia Gral Fósforos/Cia Fabril Financiera as their house-style for “Angelito”, “Domador” and “Victoria” brands in the 1930s. It has been copied by many others since then.