Spanish Historical Characters playing cards, c.1896
Cards from the Spanish Historical Characters playing cards set printed by Litografía Madriguera (Barcelona), c.1896, which were inserted into packets of chocolate.
Spanish Historical Characters playing cards, c.1896
Spanish Historical Characters playing cards set printed by Litografía Madriguera (Barcelona), c.1896, which were inserted into packets of chocolate. The cards celebrate the union of Castille, Aragon, Léon and Navarre. The suit of coins has the arms of forty-seven Spanish towns depicted on each of the symbols, and many cards are decorated with vine, chestnut, olive and other foliage. These cards extended into many editions, with the reverse showing advertising for a variety of confectionery products, including Licor de Oro, Licor Crema de Leche, Escarchados and Chocolate Juncosa See also: Children's advertising pack by Litografías Industrias Madriguera, Barcelona, c.1896 →
Above & Below: Spanish Historical Characters playing cards, with advertising on the backs, printed by Litografía Madriguera (Barcelona), c.1896. 48 cards depicting kings, presidents, generals and other personalities relating to Spanish history. The coin symbols show coats-of-arms of Spanish provinces. 93x60mms.
See also: Children's advertising pack by Litografías Industrias Madriguera, Barcelona, c.1896 • Comic Animals (Argentina) • Baraja Cinematográfica, c.1925 • Carreras Playing Cards and Dominoes, 1929 • Zoo Comics, 1968.
By Simon Wintle
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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