Children’s miniature football player cards, Montevideo, c.1928

Published July 03, 1996 Updated May 02, 2022

Miniature children’s playing cards with photographs of football players on the reverse.

1928 UruguayFootballMiniatureGauchito

Mini-Naipes FUTBOL -  Children’s football player cards, anonymous manufacturer, Montevideo, c.1928

Children's miniature football player cards, Montevideo, c.1928 Mini-naipes fútbol para niños, Montevideo, c.1928 box from 'Gauchito' children's miniature playing cards, Montevideo, c.1928

Right: the cards stored inside a match box →

Above: Miniature children’s playing cards depicting photographs of football players on the reverse, all with shiny haircuts. Similar mini-packs were published showing popular heroes and celebrities and proverbs and maxims. Cards of this type are examples of playing cards used for educational purposes besides providing entertainment value to young people.

Educational or Instructional playing cards have been around since the 16th century. See also: Proverbial Cards, 1698Mechanical Instruments, c.1700Cartes Questions-Devinettes, c.1840Happy FamiliesJaques' Illustrated Proverbs, c.1885Spanish Instructional Cards, 1888Children's Maxim Cards from UruguayChange for a Shilling, c.1930Indian Alphabetical Cards, c.1940Wild Flower Sevens card game, 1960Snip Snap, 1968.

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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.

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