Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1960
Naipes PORTEÑO Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1955-60.
Naipes PORTEÑO by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1955-60
Naipes Porteño was one of Della Penna's leading brands of Spanish-suited playing cards, alongside Naipes Inca. It was produced in successive editions until the company was taken over in 1978. Over the years the logo on the four of cups changed. In this example, clouds have been added above the Palacio del Congreso logo on the four of cups. The cards are presented in a cardboard box, not just a paper wrapper as in earlier editions.
Above: cards and box from standard edition of Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., dating from c.1955-60. The four of cups shows the "Marianne" tax stamp and the "Palacio del Congreso" logo with clouds added. In later editions this logo was replaced with a view of Buenos Aires port. The design of the court cards is a simplified version of the Spanish Catalan pattern which has become the typical design found in Argentina. The little bunches of grapes on the five of swords is only found on Della Penna's cards. However, the same ace of coins is used as in Naipes Inca.
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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