Vicente Gombau y Labad
Elegant fantasy designs by Vicente Gombau y Labad (Madrid), 1861.
These elegant non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards were published by Vicente Gombau y Labad in Madrid. The four of swords has the date 1861 and the inscription ‘Vte Gombau y Labad’ around an elaborate device containing the coat-of-arms of the city of Madrid, a bear standing by a strawberry tree (madroño). The four cavaliers are reminiscent of medieval crusading knights. All the court cards have feintly engraved scenery in the background. See detail from four of cups • four of coins • the back►
Above: non-standard Spanish-suited playing cards published by Vicente Gombau y Labad (Madrid) in 1861. Stencil-coloured lithograph, 40 cards, corner index numbers, square corners. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Vicente Gombau et Labad (Madrid)►
Above: the four suit symbols are interesting. The ace of coins mentions "Fabrica de Madrid". The ace of batons is held by a hand, and has a serpents coiled around. The ace of cups is an ornamental vase contining flowers, inside a basket - click image to zoom.
Vicente Gombau y Labad (1844-1881) was succeeded by Viuda e Hijos de Gombau (1882-1890).
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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.
Related Articles
Miniature spanish-suited playing cards
Pack of 48 miniature spanish playing-cards published by C R.
Amorcillos
‘Amorcillos’ (Cupids), a masterpiece from the golden age of Spanish playing cards by Clemente Roxas,...
Bertschinger y Codina
Fantasy Spanish-suited playing cards by Bertschinger y Codina (Barcelona), c.1850.
Viuda de Gombau e Hijos
Spanish-suited pack in the Raimundo García pattern produced in Madrid by Viuda de Gombau e Hijos, 18...
Baraja Edad Media
Baraja Edad Media, fantasy Spanish-suited medieval playing cards published Mas-Reynals, Barcelona, 1...
Hija de B Fournier
Having started out as Fournier Hermanos, Burgos in 1860, the company remained in the Fournier family...
José Gombau
Deck of half-sized Spanish-suited playing cards in the Maciá pattern produced by José Gombau, Zarago...
Sanmartí, 1840
Sanmartí, 1840.
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Fló Hermanos y Compañía, importers of playing-cards, Argentina, 1860-1910
Fló Hermanos y Compañía, importers of playing-cards, Argentina, 1860-1910.
Spanish Playing Cards ~ La Baraja Española
Spain has played a pivotal role in the history of playing cards in Europe and Latin America.
Naipes Finos No.21
Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940.
Simeon Durá 1871-1940
Simeon Durá of Valencia was one of Spain's most distinguished playing card manufacturers, flourishin...
Sebastian Comas y Ricart, Barcelona
“El Ciervo” standard Catalan-type pack made in Barcelona by Sebastian Comas y Ricart, c.1905-10.
Moliner - Burgos
Cards from a "Nº 4" pack manufactured by Antonio Moliner, Burgos.
Naipes Comas
Naipes Comas 1797-1992.
Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo
Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo, c.1926.
Baraja Boxeo
Baraja de Boxeo, c.1930.
About Heraclio Díaz
Heraclio Díaz lives in the Canary Islands (Spain).
The Enchanted Journey
The Enchanted Journey
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
