Gráfica S.A., Bs Aires
Gráfica S.A. of Buenos Aires has produced a number of brands using the Catalan pattern.
Carlos Vº Catalan pattern, 1980s
This is a copy of the standard Guarro Catalan pattern as published by Heraclio Fournier in Spain. The box and four of cups state : “Industria Argentina” but the ace of coins has no information. The logo (shown right) is also inspired by the tower motif (coat of arms of Vitoria) on Fournier's version►
Above: “Carlos Vº” Catalan pattern by Gráfica S.A., Buenos Aires, 1980s. 40 cards in box, reverse red casino trellis. This brand now belongs to Naipes Feroleto / Los Remos S.R.L.
Other brands
The same designs were also used for other brands. 48-card decks also carried 2 jokers.
Above: Naipes Escolazo, c.1978. 48 cards + 2 jokers in box. This brand now belongs to Justo Rodero.
Above: Lagos del Sur Souvenir, c.1980.
Advertising and Promotion
The designs were also used for sponsored advertising packs.
Above: advertising edition for Imparciales cigarettes (Massalin Particulares S.R.L, Philip Morris International’s affiliate in Argentina) printed by Gráfica S.A., Buenos Aires, 1980s. 48 cards + 2 jokers.
Over the years the quality of the cards moved towards the budget end of the market, often produced anonymously.
Above: budget grade advertising deck by Gráfica S.A. for Argentina Telecom Personal Light, 2004. 48 cards + 2 jokers in box. See also pack with plain backs►
La Española
Formerly produced by Vigor S.A.C. e I. this brand was produced for a short while by Gráfica S.A., Calle 58 Ex Lamadrid 1.400 Villa Maipú, San Martin before being acquired by Gráfica 2001.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.
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