Anon Spanish Cards c.1875
Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères, c.1875.
Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium, c.1875
Cards from an anonymous Spanish-suited pack made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères c.1875 for export to Spanish-speaking markets (North Africa, Latin America, Spain). Stencil-coloured. The lion motif on the ace of coins is a common feature on Spanish packs from this era, and the wrapper also features a lion lying between two trees. The basket of flowers is often seen on Belgian-made Spanish-suited cards.
Above: image courtesy Stefan Lauwers.
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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