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1996 • July

Selected Year: 1996
Selected Month: July
Total Articles: 4,448

Early History of Playing Cards & Timeline

Early History of Playing Cards & Timeline

Out of an apparent void, a constellation of references in early literature emerge pointing to the sudden arrival of playing cards, principally in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Italy around 1370-1380. Discover the early history of playing cards in our timeline from 50AD to the 15th century.

Cadiz style by La Primitiva, Bs Aires c.1905.

Cadiz style by La Primitiva, Bs Aires c.1905.

Cadiz style playing cards produced by or for La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires c.1905. The cards have the black 'Mercury' tax stamp on the four of cups.

Tarocco Piedmontese by Fabrica de Naipes La Primitiva, Bs Aires

Tarocco Piedmontese by Fabrica de Naipes La Primitiva, Bs Aires

Tarocco Piedmontese by Fabrica de Naipes La Primitiva, Defensa 125, Buenos Aires c.1890.

Tarocco Piedmontese, Buenos Aires c.1900

Tarocco Piedmontese, Buenos Aires c.1900

Tarocco Piedmontese by Fabrica de Naipes La Primitiva, Moreno 248, Buenos Aires c.1900

La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires

La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires

La Primitiva, Victoria 3179, Buenos Aires c.1878-1920, manufacturers of paper and playing cards.

Justo Rodero e Hijos

Justo Rodero e Hijos

Justo Rodero e Hijos, playing card manufacturer in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Ricardo Sopena

Ricardo Sopena

Argentina importing agent Ricardo Sopena, Corrientes 920, Buenos Aires

Argentinean Tango playing cards

Argentinean Tango playing cards

The Tango - sultry and seductive - is Argentina's form of popular music and dance, invented in Buenos Aires in the 19th century.

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna, c.1970

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna, c.1970

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna S.A. with advertising for Laprida stationers, c.1970.

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna & Cía, Buenos Aires, c.1930

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna & Cía, Buenos Aires, c.1930

The edition on this page shows the company name as C. Della Penna & Cía, along with an early version of the company logo in black & white only. In later editions it is coloured.

Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1960

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., c.1950

Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., c.1950

Naipes Porteño Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1950.

Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., c.1960-70

Naipes Porteño by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., c.1960-70

Naipes PORTEÑO Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured by C. Della Penna S.A.C.I., Buenos Aires, c.1960-70.

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna S.A., Buenos Aires, c.1930-78

Naipes Inca by C. Della Penna S.A., Buenos Aires, c.1930-78

Naipes Inca was one of Della Penna's leading brands of Spanish-suited playing cards, and was produced in successive editions until the company was taken over in 1978.

Naipes Ombú

Naipes Ombú

Naipes Ombú by C. Della Penna S.A., Buenos Aires, c.1950.

Tarots Egipcios Kier

Tarots Egipcios Kier

The “Tarots Egipcios” was first published by Editorial Kier S.A. in c.1971 with Spanish titles, with a booklet (also in Spanish) explaining the cabbalistic meanings of the cards.

Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980

Argenar, Buenos Aires, c.1980

The reverse has advertising for Cymaco motor spares who have branches in Uruguay.

Estonia

Estonia

Estonia's first period of independence lasted 22 years, beginning in 1918, and this period was one of great cultural advancement.

Bahía Graf, printers, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Bahía Graf, printers, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A pack specially designed for a sandwich bar and cake shop. The jokers show a pile of sandwiches.

Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970

Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970

Playing Cards Imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970

Naipes Coraza, Comas, Barcelona, 1940s

Naipes Coraza, Comas, Barcelona, 1940s

Naipes Coraza, Hija de Antonio Comas, Barcelona, 1940s.

Bertrand Domec, Buenos Aires 1904-1970

Bertrand Domec, Buenos Aires 1904-1970

Bertrand Domec was an importer of playing cards into Argentina, 1904-1970.

Naipes Tiburón - Flaiban y Camilloni

Naipes Tiburón - Flaiban y Camilloni

Flaiban y Camilloni, c.1936, Naipes Tiburón, Tela de Araña.

Ernesto Flaiban - Quality Control

Ernesto Flaiban - Quality Control

Sr. Ernesto Flaiban, founder and president of E. Flaiban S.A., is seen here checking the quality of some playing cards.

Industria Gráfica Pesout

Industria Gráfica Pesout

Coimexpor Spanish-suited playing cards by Industria Gráfica Pesout, S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.2008.

Naipes Domador by Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., c.1960

Naipes Domador by Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., c.1960

Naipes Domador Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured by Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A., c.1960

Naipes El Heraldo (1930-1977)

Naipes El Heraldo (1930-1977)

Naipes El Heraldo (1930-1977).

Naipes Payador

Naipes Payador

The logo on the four of cups on Naipes Payador shows a man playing a guitar beneath the legend "Payador".

Naipes Heraldo, later style

Naipes Heraldo, later style

Naipes Heraldo, later style, c.1978.

Playing Cards by Compañia General de Fósforos

Playing Cards by Compañia General de Fósforos

Playing Cards by Compañia General de Fósforos, Bs. As. (founded 1888).

Naipes de Poker Naipynt

Naipes de Poker Naipynt

Naipes “Naipynt” are a departure from Fourvel's usual Side Car brand, with a new ‘Clown Joker’ design, although the motorcycle motif is still visible in the centre of the Ace of Spades.

Naipes Side Car Tipo Español

Naipes Side Car Tipo Español

Naipes Side Car Tipo Español.

Luis A. Fourvel

Luis A. Fourvel

The Fourvel family was of French origin but had settled in Spain during the XIX century. In the 1930s Luis Fourvel went to Argentina and established a printing business which flourished until the early 60s.

Argentina Tax Stamps on playing cards 1895-1968

Argentina Tax Stamps on playing cards 1895-1968

Argentina Tax Stamps on playing cards 1895-1968

Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide

Native Indian Hand-made Cards made on rawhide

Native Indian hand-made cards made on rawhide.

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80.

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Paisandu 760, Buenos Aires c.1960-80, manufacturers of plastic playing cards.

J. M. Gandarillas, Buenos Aires, c.1815

J. M. Gandarillas, Buenos Aires, c.1815

Playing cards believed to have been designed in 1815 by the Chilean immigrant Manuel José Gandarillas in Buenos Aires and published the following year.

Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55

Naipes TRIUNFO by Orestes A Cappellano, c.1940-55

Naipes TRIUNFO Spanish-suited playing cards by Orestes A. Cappellano, publishers and playing card manufacturers, Sarmiento 1537, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1940-55.

Naipes Triunfo for Fernet Branca

Naipes Triunfo for Fernet Branca

Naipes TRIUNFO Spanish-suited playing cards for Fernet Branca by Cappellano, S.A., publishers and playing card manufacturers, Florencio Varela 542, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1955-60.

Naipes Triunfo, c.1965

Naipes Triunfo, c.1965

Spanish-suited playing cards by Cappellano, S.A., Florencio Varela 542, Buenos Aires, Argentina, c.1965.

Torcacita, c.1945-65

Torcacita, c.1945-65

Naipes Naipes Torcacita, c.1945-65. Spanish-suited playing cards made by Orestes A. Cappellano; several examples from between c.1945-70.

Argentine Political Cards

Argentine Political Cards

Political Playing Cards, Buenos Aires, 1890.

Bedaumine Hnos, Bs Aires

Bedaumine Hnos, Bs Aires

Naipes Tipo Español 'El Vencedor', Bedaumine Hnos, Bs Aires

Naipe PAYADOR by F.X. Schmid (Argentina) S.A.

Naipe PAYADOR by F.X. Schmid (Argentina) S.A.

Naipe Español "PAYADOR ®"

Naipe Español

Naipe Español "VICTORIA ® by F. X. Schmid (Argentina) S.A.

Naipe Español "VICTORIA ® by F. X. Schmid (Argentina) S.A.

Casa Escasany

Casa Escasany

Naipes Casa Escasany ~ Magnificent novelty playing cards published by Casa Escasany, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1930s.

Francisco Girbau & Cia, Buenos Aires

Francisco Girbau & Cia, Buenos Aires

Francisco Girbau & Cia, Buenos Aires, c.1890-1935

Quercia y Possi, Buenos Aires 1815-16

Quercia y Possi, Buenos Aires 1815-16

José Maria Quercia y Possi was an Italian immigrant who joined the Chilean Independence army. He set up a playing card factory in Argentina in 1815 known as "Fábrica de Buenos Aires".

Disney Characters Cromy card game Argentina

Disney Characters Cromy card game Argentina

Disney Characters Cromy card game Argentina.

Chip 'n Dale Cromy card game Argentina

Chip 'n Dale Cromy card game Argentina

Chip 'n Dale Cromy card game Argentina.

Disney Babies Cromy card game Argentina

Disney Babies Cromy card game Argentina

Disney Babies Cromy card game Argentina.

Donald Duck Cromy card game Argentina

Donald Duck Cromy card game Argentina

Donald Duck Cromy card game Argentina

Little Mermaid Cromy card game Argentina

Little Mermaid Cromy card game Argentina

Little Mermaid Cromy card game Argentina

Bella y Bestia Cromy card game Argentina

Bella y Bestia Cromy card game Argentina

Bella y Bestia Cromy card game Argentina

Airwolf

Airwolf

Airwolf card game, CROMY, Argentina

Souvenir Playing Cards

Souvenir Playing Cards

Argentina publishes many tourist souvenir packs, usually with colour pictures on each card, and with either Spanish suit signs, or else Anglo-american ones, in each corner.

Baraja Aparcero

Baraja Aparcero

Designed to illustrate the history of four indigenous tribes who represent the roots of the Argentinean race.

J. F. Sanchez - Buenos Aires c.1895

J. F. Sanchez - Buenos Aires c.1895

J. F. Sanchez - Buenos Aires c.1895.

Baraja

Baraja "Te Amo" cartoons by Serafín

Baraja 'Te Amo' con dibujos de Serafín en tirada de 500 ejemplares numerados, 48 naipes. Fabricado por Naipes Comas (Barcelona) 2002.

Fournier No.35 Spanish-suited playing cards

Fournier No.35 Spanish-suited playing cards

Fournier No.35 Spanish-suited playing cards imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Bertrand Domec), c.1970.

Cards for export to Peru by Heraclio Fournier

Cards for export to Peru by Heraclio Fournier

'El Caballo' brand (No.5P) playing-cards manufactured in Spain by Heraclio Fournier S.A. especially for the Estanco de Naipes del Perú, c.1960.

Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)

Juan Roura, Barcelona (1872 - 1962)

Juan Roura produced a range of popular designs including Catalán, Castilian and Cádiz patterns for domestic use exportation.

Zoo Comics

Zoo Comics

ZOO COMICS animated playing cards made by Litografía Ferri, Valencia (Spain), first published in 1968.

Baraja Cinematográfica, c.1925

Baraja Cinematográfica, c.1925

Baraja Cinematográfica printed by J. M. Arnau, Barcelona, 1925-26.

Juan Roura No.32 Catalan pattern

Juan Roura No.32 Catalan pattern

Juan Roura No.32, with advertisement for Cervezas Damm, c.1932.

Naipes El Heraldo, Cádiz

Naipes El Heraldo, Cádiz

“El Heraldo” brand by Segundo de Olea Aguilera, Cadiz.

José Martínez de Castro, page 2

José Martínez de Castro, page 2

The most noteworthy feature of its history is that this design has since been adopted for use in Sardinia, where it is now regarded as the standard local pattern.

Phelippe Ayet, c.1574

Phelippe Ayet, c.1574

Archaic, late medieval Spanish-suited playing cards printed by Phelippe Ayet, c.1574.

Fournier’s Castilian pattern

Fournier’s Castilian pattern

Designed by Emilio Soubrier, Ignacio Díaz and Augusto Rius during the 1880s as a new definitive national pattern.

Naipes Finos No.21

Naipes Finos No.21

Naipes Finos No.21 "Hispano Americana", in the Castilian style, by Juan Roura, Barcelona, c.1940.

Juan Roura Catalan

Juan Roura Catalan

Catalan type by Juan Roura, La Hispano-Americana, Barcelona (1872 - 1962).

‘El Cid’ designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875

‘El Cid’ designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875

‘El Cid’ fantasy playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1875

El Barco

El Barco

El Barco playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1895

Simeon Durá 1871-1940

Simeon Durá 1871-1940

Simeon Durá of Valencia was one of Spain's most distinguished playing card manufacturers, flourishing between 1871-c.1940.

Phelippe Ayet, 1574

Phelippe Ayet, 1574

49 assorted cards were found hidden in the lintel of a doorway, in an old building in Toledo, during demolition, and are now preserved in the the Museo de Santa Cruz de Toledo.

Sebastian Comas y Ricart, Barcelona

Sebastian Comas y Ricart, Barcelona

“El Ciervo” standard Catalan-type pack made in Barcelona by Sebastian Comas y Ricart, c.1905-10.

Moliner - Burgos

Moliner - Burgos

Cards from a "Nº 4" pack manufactured by Antonio Moliner, Burgos.

Naipes Comas

Naipes Comas

Naipes Comas 1797-1992.

El Ciervo, c.1930

El Ciervo, c.1930

Sebastian Comas y Ricart - Hija de A. Comas “El Ciervo” Spanish Catalan pattern, c.1930.

Hija de A. Comas “El Periquito”, c.1930

Hija de A. Comas “El Periquito”, c.1930

Sebastian Comas y Ricart - Hija de A. Comas “El Periquito” Spanish-suited playing cards for export to Argentina, c.1930.

Baraja Morisca — Early XV century playing cards

Baraja Morisca — Early XV century playing cards

Primitive Latin suited pack, dated by paper analysis as early XV century, which makes this one of the earliest known surviving packs of playing cards.

Cartas Blancas Self-improvement playing cards

Cartas Blancas Self-improvement playing cards

Cartas Blancas Self-help playing cards

Baraja Hoja de Afeitar

Baraja Hoja de Afeitar

La Baraja 'Hoja de Afeitar'. Baraja de Hojas Maravilla descalificadas como de primerísima categoría.

Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo

Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo

Baraja Artistas del Cine Mudo, c.1926.

Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921

Torras y Lleó, Barcelona, Spain, c.1838-1921

Francisco Torras y Lleó was a playing-card maker in calle Carmen, Barcelona, who flourished during the period 1838-1860.

Baraja Boxeo

Baraja Boxeo

Baraja de Boxeo, c.1930.

Real Fábrica de Macharaviaya

Real Fábrica de Macharaviaya

This is the official Spanish National pattern of the 18th century. Design and production was controlled from Madrid as a source of national or regional revenue. The factory was located in the town of Macharaviaya, in the province of Málaga.

Juan Roura, Cadiz pattern

Juan Roura, Cadiz pattern

Cádiz type playing cards made by Juan Roura for export to Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish National Pattern

Spanish National Pattern

Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strongly established by the Catalan cardmakers Rotxotxo of Barcelona.

Spanish Historical Characters playing cards, c.1896

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.

Hand-made Spanish Suited Playing Cards

Hand-made Spanish Suited Playing Cards

Decks are made on two-ply pasteboard which reproduces the tactile quality of antique cards.

Hunting Depicted on Playing Cards

Hunting Depicted on Playing Cards

In the Middle Ages hunting was an integral part of life.

Dasavatara Ganjifa from India

Dasavatara Ganjifa from India

Chromo-lithograph Ganjifa cards by the Chitrasala Press, around 1950. Ten suits of twelve cards, each suit is based on one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

Swiss Regional Costumes Playing Cards, c.1890

Swiss Regional Costumes Playing Cards, c.1890

This Swiss Regional Costume pack can be seen as an early form of tourist souvenir which subsequently developed into the photographic souvenir pack.

Swiss French Suited Playing Cards, c.1840

Swiss French Suited Playing Cards, c.1840

French-suited playing-cards in the Paris pattern appeared in Switzerland around the end of the sixteenth century, when many Lyonnais cardmakers were driven away by heavy taxes.

Swiss Scenic Ace Souvenir Cards, c.1850

Swiss Scenic Ace Souvenir Cards, c.1850

Souvenir pack with Scenic Aces made by Müller (Diessenhofen), c.1850.

Swiss Mogul Cards, 1880-1890

Swiss Mogul Cards, 1880-1890

English type 'Mogul' playing cards manufactured in Switzerland by John Müller for export to India, c.1880-1890.

Madame Lenormand Fortune Telling Cards

Madame Lenormand Fortune Telling Cards

Madame Lenormand Fortune Telling Cards made by Müller.

David Hurter, Schaffhausen

David Hurter, Schaffhausen

David Hurter built up a playing card business in Schaffhausen during the 18th century.

Müller (Diessenhofen), c.1840-50.

Müller (Diessenhofen), c.1840-50.

Playing Cards made by J. Müller, Diessenhofen, c.1840-50 with court cards coloured differently at each end.

Swiss Playing Cards by David Hurter, c.1830

Swiss Playing Cards by David Hurter, c.1830

David Hurter had begun to build up a playing card business in Schaffhausen during the late 18th century.

Swiss Piquet Playing Cards, c.1850-60

Swiss Piquet Playing Cards, c.1850-60

Piquet playing-cards made by J. Müller, Diessenhofen, c.1850-60. The full-length court cards are following the French style.

Antique Swiss Playing Cards, c.1530

Antique Swiss Playing Cards, c.1530

The Swiss national suit system of shields, acorns, hawkbells and flowers originated sometime during the fifteenth century.

Swiss Spanish-Suited Cards, c.1875

Swiss Spanish-Suited Cards, c.1875

Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured by J. Müller for export to Latin American countries, c.1875.

Swiss Scenic Ace Souvenir Cards, c.1860

Swiss Scenic Ace Souvenir Cards, c.1860

Souvenir pack with Scenic Aces made by J. Müller (Diessenhofen), c.1860. The courts are conventional figures based on French designs.

Balázs Pál Nagy's Tell No. 3306 Playing Cards

Balázs Pál Nagy's Tell No. 3306 Playing Cards

Balázs Pál Nagy Tell 3306

War Aid 2

War Aid 2

Hungarian War Aid Playing Cards

Balázs Pál Nagy's Playing Cards

Balázs Pál Nagy's Playing Cards

Balázs Pál Nagy's Playing Cards

War Aid

War Aid

Hadsegélyzö Kártya ('War Aid Pack' or 'War Aid Cards') Nr. 63 designed by Leo Kober and first published by Piatnik, Budapest, in 1917.

XV Century Italian Playing Cards

XV Century Italian Playing Cards

Cards from a pack of an early form of north Italian playing cards, with the swords back-to-back and curved outwards. Believed to be Venetian, dated 1462.

Minchiate Fiorentine

Minchiate Fiorentine

The Florentine game of Minchiate is played with a pack of 97 cards. The subjects and arrangements of the trumps are slightly varied and their number increased to 41 by the addition of the three theological virtues, one of the cardinal virtues (Prudence), the 4 elements and the 12 signs of the zodiac.

The Visconti-Sforza Tarot, c.1460

The Visconti-Sforza Tarot, c.1460

This pack of tarot cards appears to have have been made in the Bembo workshop in Cremona for Bianca Maria Visconti, c.1460.

Tarocco Piemontese | Piedmontese tarot

Tarocco Piemontese | Piedmontese tarot

The double ended version of the Piedmontese Tarot evolved during the second half of the nineteenth century, most probably in Turin. It is still produced and used today.

Tarocco Milanesi by Lamperti (Milan) c.1850

Tarocco Milanesi by Lamperti (Milan) c.1850

Tarocco Milanesi by Lamperti (Milan) c.1850

Florentine Pattern

Florentine Pattern

Originally one of several designs which emerged during the nineteenth century, the Florentine pattern has several distinctive features.

Sicilian playing cards by Antonio Monasta

Sicilian playing cards by Antonio Monasta

"Il Leon" Sicilian playing cards, 40-card pack based on Spanish designs, made in Sicily by Antonio Monasta, probably 17th century.

Tarocco Bolognese

Tarocco Bolognese

Tarocco Bolognese

Sardinian playing cards

Sardinian playing cards

Sardinian playing cards.

Hand-Painted Tarocchi Cards

Hand-Painted Tarocchi Cards

Hand-painted Tarocchi cards sometimes known as ‘Charles VI tarot’, North Italy, 1475-1500.

Small Tuscan Pattern

Small Tuscan Pattern

Small Tuscan Pattern

Brescia pattern

Brescia pattern

The Brescia pattern contains elements which come from a past age.

Romagnole pattern by Guglielmo Murari

Romagnole pattern by Guglielmo Murari

Romagnole pattern by Guglielmo Murari c.1920

Sicilian Pattern

Sicilian Pattern

The Sicilian pack has a similar composition to the Neapolitan pack, and is small and squat in appearance.

Italian Playing Cards

Italian Playing Cards

The first reliable evidence that playing cards were being used in Italy is from 1376, when a game called 'naibbe' is forbidden in a decree, with the implication that the game had only recently been introduced there.

Neapolitan Pattern

Neapolitan Pattern

Cartine da Gioco Vesuvio miniature Neapolitan pattern.

MMCardz

MMCardz

INPOPA Anthology 2002 published by MMCardz.

Playing Cards and Religion

Playing Cards and Religion

Early engravers and print makers made devotional images for pilgrims and people who could not afford paintings or books. Many of these craftsmen turned their hand to manufacturing playing cards to earn extra income. Today playing cards are often produced to spread religious messages, teachings or for educational purposes.

Silk Inlaid Playing Cards for Charles I

Silk Inlaid Playing Cards for Charles I

Silk Inlaid Playing Cards for Charles I

E.P.C.S. Competitions

E.P.C.S. Competitions

Do you know any good playing card related cartoons or jokes?

Playing Cards in other cards

Playing Cards in other cards

Secondary applications of playing cards.

Hunt, c.1800

Hunt, c.1800

Standard English pattern playing cards manufactured by Hunt, c.1800.

Blanchard, c.1770

Blanchard, c.1770

The style of these cards is descended from the earlier seventeenth century cards of makers such as Hewson.

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards was founded by Royal Charter in 1628.

Early English Playing Cards

Early English Playing Cards

Early examples of traditional, standard English playing cards of which the best known are those of Hewson of the seventeenth century, and Blanchard from the eighteenth century.

Collecting English Playing Cards & Games

Collecting English Playing Cards & Games

The History of English Playing Cards dates probably from the mid 15th century, the first documentary evidence of their existence in this country occurring in an Act of Parliament which prohibited the import of foreign cards.

Standard and Non-standard Playing Cards

Standard and Non-standard Playing Cards

Standard playing cards are based upon traditional designs and are used for card games.

Playing Cards in Honduras

Playing Cards in Honduras

Honduras shares a long tradition with Spain in the field of playing cards.

Baraja Infantil made in Cuba

Baraja Infantil made in Cuba

cards from a 40-card children's "Questions and Answers" game. The Spanish suit signs have been changed to tambourines, yo-yos, swords and skittles. Printed lithographically in Cuba, c.1930.

Gironda

Gironda

8 cards and two jokers from the 'Gironda' pack, showing eminent statesmen and politicians from Lithuania from the 1990s.

Dviracio Kortos, 2001

Dviracio Kortos, 2001

Dviracio Kortos playing cards, based on 'Dviracio Zynios' ('The Bicycle's News'), a popular Lithuanian TV comedy show, in which actors satirize the vices and follies of modern society.

Cats, Cakes, Clothes and Cups

Cats, Cakes, Clothes and Cups

Dianne Longley is a print artist who produces books and folios as well as intaglio and relief prints.

About Witta Jensen

About Witta Jensen

WITTA JENSEN… on the cards.

About Karl Gerich (1956-2016)

About Karl Gerich (1956-2016)

About Karl Alexander Gerich, 23rd April 1956 — 4th January 2016

Jason Ennis Tarot Cards

Jason Ennis Tarot Cards

Jason Ennis was a self trained artist interested in man's nature, his powers and abilities.

John Newman’s Colour Cards

John Newman’s Colour Cards

John Newman’s Colour Cards

Teddy Bear playing cards & artwork

Teddy Bear playing cards & artwork

Teddy Bear playing cards & artwork, 1996.

About Peter Wood

About Peter Wood

Peter Wood is a UK based artist.

Hidden Mickeys

Hidden Mickeys

“HiddenMickeys” by Peter Wood

The Enchanted Journey

The Enchanted Journey

Cards from the delightful Enchanted Journey playing-cards by Karen Curran of Australia.

About Georgina Harvey

About Georgina Harvey

Georgina Harvey worked together with Karl Gerich.

About Emily Arkin

About Emily Arkin

Emily Arkin is an artist from Somerville, MA.

About Shelley Fowles

About Shelley Fowles

Shelley Fowles was born in South Africa but has lived in the United Kingdom since 1979. She trained in Art in Brighton and London.

About Catherine Kelly

About Catherine Kelly

Catherine Kelly, M.A. Paint and Print, B.A. History of Art and Fine Art Painting, is an artist working in Dublin

About Heraclio Díaz

About Heraclio Díaz

Heraclio Díaz lives in the Canary Islands (Spain).

About Shon Gwynn

About Shon Gwynn

Self-Nurturing Solitaire

Self-Nurturing Solitaire

Self-Nurturing Solitaire by Idelle Jones,

Safe as Houses by Catherine Kelly

Safe as Houses by Catherine Kelly

My current work evolved from using a pack of cards as a metaphor to explore the randomness of life and the luck of the draw.

Grace Cards

Grace Cards

My creativity proved useful in the Primary School classroom and children's clubs I run at Brooke Baptist Church in Norfolk...

Belgian Playing Cards

Belgian Playing Cards

Belgian cardmakers have been actively designing and exporting playing cards since the 14th century.

Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium

Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium

Portuguese type pack with ‘dragon’ aces made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères, Turnhout, c.1875-1900.

Portuguese Type Cards made in Belgium

Portuguese Type Cards made in Belgium

Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium, c.1878.

Naypes Finos made in Belgium

Naypes Finos made in Belgium

Belgian manufacturers were competing against Spanish makers. Features of the traditional Spanish designs, including many well-known brands, were imitated or plagiarised.

Playing cards in Puerto Rico

Playing cards in Puerto Rico

Playing cards in Puerto Rico.

Irish Heroic

Irish Heroic

The costumes and details of this pack are in the spirit of "The Heroic Period of Irish History".

Irish Playing Cards

Irish Playing Cards

Playing card designs based on motifs from early Irish manuscripts and metalwork.

Playing Cards from Ireland

Playing Cards from Ireland

During the nineteenth century playing cards were being produced in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

Simultané

Simultané

Simple geometric forms with an inner life and poetry emanating from the richness of colour, the musicality of rhythm, the vibrant breath of the execution...

Rokoko

Rokoko

Rokoko (Rococo) reflecting the dress and culture of the first half of the 18th century.

Russian Standard Playing Cards

Russian Standard Playing Cards

Cards from an early version of a Russian standard woodblock and stencil pack of circa 1820.

F. Munguia

F. Munguia

Spanish-suited playing cards from a 40-card pack by F. Munguia, Merced 8, Mexico, c.1868. F. Munguia produced playing cards with brand names 'La Campana', 'La Estrella' and 'El Aguila' during the period c.1868-c.1882.

Bartolo Borrego, Mexico

Bartolo Borrego, Mexico

40-card Spanish-suited woodblock and stencil pack made in Mexico by Bartolo Borrego, 1836.

Anonymous Mexican Playing Cards c.1825

Anonymous Mexican Playing Cards c.1825

Anonymous Mexican playing cards, finely engraved and coloured on good card stock, first quarter of the 1800s.

Poker Taurino

Poker Taurino

Baraja Taurina was published by Enrique Guerrero, c.1950. Subsequently published as Poker Taurino by Clemente Jacques y Cia, S.A.

Llombart pattern from Mexico

Llombart pattern from Mexico

Cards from a Mexican pack c.1835; maker unknown.

El Ferrocarril

El Ferrocarril

Naipe El Ferrocarril made by La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Advertising Playing-Cards by La Cubana, S.A, Mexico c.1960

Advertising Playing-Cards by La Cubana, S.A, Mexico c.1960

Advertising Playing-Cards by La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Aguila Antigua Transparente

Naipes Aguila Antigua Transparente

Naipes Aguila Antigua Transparente, c.1960.

Naipes Goliat

Naipes Goliat

Naipes Goliat, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Naipes Estrella Nueva

Naipes Estrella Nueva

Naipes Estrella Nueva, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Naipes Poker Profesional

Naipes Poker Profesional

Naipes Poker Profesional, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Bridge o Canasta Uruguaya,

Naipes Bridge o Canasta Uruguaya,

Naipes Bridge o Canasta Uruguaya, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Bridge Profesional

Naipes Bridge Profesional

Naipes Bridge Profesional, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Campana, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Naipes Campana, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Naipes Campana, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes tamaño Mignon, La Cubana, S.A.

Naipes tamaño Mignon, La Cubana, S.A.

Naipes tamaño Mignon, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Estrella Antigua

Naipes Estrella Antigua

Naipes Estrella Antigua, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca (Jaspe)

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca (Jaspe)

Naipes Aguila Antigua Opaca (Jaspe), La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Naipes Campana Extra

Naipes Campana Extra

Naipes Campana Extra, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960.

Bridge advertising playing cards by La Cubana

Bridge advertising playing cards by La Cubana

Bridge advertising playing cards for Morganite Carbon, manufactured by La Cubana, S.A., Tulipan 108, Mexico 4, D.F., c.1980s.

Naipes para Ferias

Naipes para Ferias

Naipes para Ferias, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1942 & c.1960.

La Cubana, S.A.

La Cubana, S.A.

La Cubana were successors to P. Munguia, who were founded in 1872. The company closed n 1995 bringing to a close Mexico's longest standing playing-card factory.

Navío Extra

Navío Extra

Naipes Navío Extra, La Cubana, S.A. (Fabrica de Naipes El Aguila), Mexico, c.1960

Playing Cards from Mexico

Playing Cards from Mexico

MEXICO shares a long tradition with Spain in the field of playing cards. The Estanco de Naipes (playing-card monopoly) was established in 1576.

The Llewellyn Tarot - Welsh tarot cards

The Llewellyn Tarot - Welsh tarot cards

The Llewellyn Tarot - Welsh tarot cards

Playing cards in Wales - Welsh playing cards

Playing cards in Wales - Welsh playing cards

Whereas the distinctiveness of Wales is an important resource contributing to the rich texture of variety which characterises the island of Britain, to date no Welsh playing cards cards have been found which were actually manufactured in Wales.

U. S. A.

U. S. A.

The manufacture of playing cards in America only began during the second half of the 18th century, and not before 1776 by some estimates.

Russian Constitutional Playing Cards, 1909

Russian Constitutional Playing Cards, 1909

A rare American Russian political pack depicting events and moods in early 20th century Russia.

Renaissance Playing Cards

Renaissance Playing Cards

Renaissance Playing Cards by Maxim Hurwicz, showing 54 different drawings spanning the years 1066 to 1400.

Self-Guided Tarot by Cameo Victor

Self-Guided Tarot by Cameo Victor

Human beings have always yearned to understand the experience of life. The knowledge that we seek is not really hidden, we each have to find it within ourselves.

Wild! by Peter Wood

Wild! by Peter Wood

Wild! by Peter Wood.

Ian Roth’s Unique playing cards

Ian Roth’s Unique playing cards

Ian Roth’s Unique playing cards

Naipes No. 71 Los Leones

Naipes No. 71 Los Leones

Naipes No. 71 Los Leones by The United States Playing Card Co., c.1900.

History of the War playing cards designed by Lino Palacio

History of the War playing cards designed by Lino Palacio

History of the War" playing cards designed by the Argentinean cartoonist Lino Palacio (1903-1984) who was the author of unforgettable characters like Ramona, Don Fulgencio, Doña Tremebunda, Agapito and his shadow, Cicuta and many others.

Pippoglyph

Pippoglyph

Pippoglyph Playing Cards by Ben Crenshaw © 2004

Lawrence & Cohen, New York

Lawrence & Cohen, New York

Lawrence & Cohen decided to hire Owen Jones, the English playing card designer who produced back designs for De La Rue (London).

Bonnie Blue’s Rummy Cards

Bonnie Blue’s Rummy Cards

Bonnie Blue’s Rummy Cards.

Czech Nationalistic playing cards

Czech Nationalistic playing cards

During the 19th century growing nationalist sentiment led to a rejection of Austro-Hungarian culture in favour of that of the native Czech people. One outcome from this movement was a ‘Nationalistic’ pack of playing cards painted by Emanuel Neumann.

Chilean Playing Cards

Chilean Playing Cards

Naipes Chilenos ~ Early Chilean playing cards were based upon Spanish models.

Cia Chilena de Tabacos

Cia Chilena de Tabacos

Spanish style pack issued on behalf of the Cía Chilena de Tabacos, c.1932.

Hugo Castro, Santiago de Chile

Hugo Castro, Santiago de Chile

Imprenta y Litografía Hugo Castro, Santiago de Chile.

Naipes Sonia

Naipes Sonia

Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured in Chile by Imprenta y Litografía Universo S.A., Valparaiso, Chile.

Taller Fotolitográfico, Chile

Taller Fotolitográfico, Chile

Spanish suited pack made in Chile by Taller Fotolitográfico, inspired by Fournier's classic 'Castilian' design, c. 2000

Naipe Infantil by Plasticos Pardo M.R.

Naipe Infantil by Plasticos Pardo M.R.

Naipe Español Infantil miniature children's playing cards with suit signs of ice creams, baseball bats, swords and suns, manufactured in Chile by Plasticos Pardo M.R.

Naipes Siluv, Valparaiso, Chile, 1931

Naipes Siluv, Valparaiso, Chile, 1931

Naipes Siluv, Valparaiso, Chile, 1931

Naipes ‘El Borrego’

Naipes ‘El Borrego’

Naipes ‘El Borrego’ Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured in El Salvador, c.2002

Naipes Hispasa

Naipes Hispasa

Naipes ‘Hispasa’, produced in El Salvador by Cartotecnica Centroamericana, S.A., c.2002

Naipes Cisne

Naipes Cisne

Although the wrapper gives the manufacturer's address in Sevilla, Spain, the cards were most likely manufactured in El Salvador by a local printer imitating Spanish cards

Playing Cards in El Salvador

Playing Cards in El Salvador

Cards were first imported to Central America from Spain, although local production has always existed. Today El Salvador has some local production of playing cards, which are often of rudimentary quality.

Impuesto de Timbre para Naipes

Impuesto de Timbre para Naipes

EL CONGRESO DE COLOMBIA. LEY 69 DE 1946, por la cual se elevan las tarifas de algunos impuestos indirectos y se dictan otras disposiciones.

The Birth of Motorization 1885-1985

The Birth of Motorization 1885-1985

The Birth of Motorization playing cards designed by Radoslaw Radziejewski

Kart do Tarota

Kart do Tarota

78-card Polish tarot pack designed by Edyta Gdek.

Relief of Vienna

Relief of Vienna

“Relief of Vienna” tri-centenary pack, 1983

Prof. Franciszek Bunsch

Prof. Franciszek Bunsch

Prof. Franciszek Bunsch, Polish playing-card designer.

Anna Gaber

Anna Gaber

Anna Gaber playing cards from Poland.

Jagiellonskie

Jagiellonskie

Jagiellonskie Playing Cards with Polish Kings and Queens, made in Poland

Skat by Franciszek Bunsch

Skat by Franciszek Bunsch

Skat pack designed by Franciszek Bunsch

Polish Playing Cards

Polish Playing Cards

Poland has been involved in playing card production since the 15th century.

Naipes Vencedor

Naipes Vencedor

Naipes Vencedor, manufactured in Paraguay by La Vencedora S.A, c.1985

Paraguayan Playing Cards

Paraguayan Playing Cards

Playing Cards in Paraguay

A. Camoin & Cie, Casablanca & Marseille

A. Camoin & Cie, Casablanca & Marseille

Spanish national pattern by A. Camoin & Cie, Casablanca & Marseille

Casablanca playing cards from Morocco

Casablanca playing cards from Morocco

Moroccan cards with the legend 'Casablanca'.

Moroccan Bank of Commerce and Industry

Moroccan Bank of Commerce and Industry

Advertising pack for the Moroccan Bank of Commerce and Industry, 1986.

Cartes La Gazelle, Casablanca

Cartes La Gazelle, Casablanca

Cartes La Gazelle, manufactured by Imprimerie de L’Entente, Casablanca

Playing cards in Morocco

Playing cards in Morocco

The earliest literary references to playing cards in Europe refer to the game having been introduced by a 'Saracen', and also to Moorish and Damascene varieties of playing card.

Latvian Playing Cards

Latvian Playing Cards

The best Latvian playing cards were produced just after independence, during the period 1921-1942.

Karlis Padegs

Karlis Padegs

Karlis Padegs (1911-1940) was a Latvian artist who designed 17 playing cards in 1936 - joker, aces, kings, queens and jacks.

Rihards Zarinš

Rihards Zarinš

Playing cards designed by Rihards Zarinš, 1921. Latvian indices and with heraldic and hunting motifs reminiscent of the countries' ancient history and folklore.

Stefans Bercs

Stefans Bercs

In 1923 a competition was announced for a new Latvian pack. The winner of this competition was Stefans Bercs.

Reinholds Kasparsons

Reinholds Kasparsons

Reinholds Kasparsons, a popular Latvian illustrator of the day, designed this pack which was published as The Best Quality Playing cards No.1 in 1932.

Ecuador

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands Souvenir Playing Cards, awakening the voice of nature and teaching us about the environment, endangered species and ecology...

Playing Cards from Ecuador

Playing Cards from Ecuador

There has been very little playing card manufacture in Ecuador. Cards are mostly supplied from Colombia, Argentina & Spain. Known brand names include: Willy Wilson, La Raspa and El Heraldo. Some locally-made tourist souvenir packs are also known including Naipe Ciudad de Quito and Galapagos Islands souvenir cards.

J & W Mitchell, Birmingham

J & W Mitchell, Birmingham

This rare Victorian manufacturer made standard English playing cards for a short period during the late 1880s and early 1890s.

Astra Games

Astra Games

Astra Games was a subsidiary of the McCorquodale Group of Companies, producing playing cards during the period 1982-87.

Amalgamated Playing Card Co., Ltd

Amalgamated Playing Card Co., Ltd

Agreement had been reached between Waddington's and De La Rue during the second world war for Waddington's to manufacture playing cards for De la Rue. Thus the Amalgamated Playing Card Company was born but it remained an unofficial name for many years.

James English & Co.

James English & Co.

Victorian Playing Cards manufactured by James English & Co., London, c.1875

History of English Playing Cards & Games

History of English Playing Cards & Games

The History of English Playing Cards dates probably from the mid 15th century

Carreras Ltd Tobacco Advertising

Carreras Ltd Tobacco Advertising

Carreras issued a number of advertising packs, cigarette and trade cards, miniature packs, etc during the 1920s and 30s.

The Beggars’ Opera

The Beggars’ Opera

The Beggars’ Opera Playing Cards were first published in 1728. The cards carry the words and music of the songs from Gay’s opera, which was intended as a parody of current Italian works. The music was taken from many popular tunes of the day.

South Sea Bubble

South Sea Bubble

The South Sea Bubble Playing Cards were first published in London by Thomas Bowles in 1720. The cards bear satirical portrayals of the speculators involved in the South Sea Bubble of 1720, providing a unique contemporary record of the feverish atmosphere of the time, as well as the fashions of dress.

Robert Morden’s Playing Cards

Robert Morden’s Playing Cards

The 52 Counties of England and Wales described as a pack of cards first published in London in 1676.

Knavery of the Rump, 1679

Knavery of the Rump, 1679

The Knavery of the Rump playing cards, first published in 1679, are a satirical portrayal of Oliver Cromwell's Government. The illustrations on the cards provide a rare visual impression of the times.

Cries of London

Cries of London

The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain interesting miniature versions of the standard full-length figures used on playing cards at the time

Transformation Playing Cards, 1811

Transformation Playing Cards, 1811

Transformation playing cards, first published in 1811. Each card bears a picture in which the suit marks are concealed within the design. This artistic exercise began as a late 18th century pastime.

Marlborough’s Victories

Marlborough’s Victories

Marlborough’s Victories playing cards, first published in 1707, depict Marlborough's campaigns and the personalities involved.

Fortune-Telling Cards

Fortune-Telling Cards

These Fortune-Telling cards, first published as early as 1690, were possibly the first pack of cards ever made specifically for the purpose of fortune-telling.

Owen Jones (1809-1874)

Owen Jones (1809-1874)

Owen Jones (1809-1874) was a Welsh architect and interior designer who designed the backs of playing cards for Thomas de la Rue.

The Peerless Playing Card Company, London c.1890

The Peerless Playing Card Company, London c.1890

James English's playing card factory was re-named Peerless in around 1880 when the title Peerless Card Company appeared on the ace of spades.

Lottery Scratch Playing Card

Lottery Scratch Playing Card

Move your mouse over the scratch area...

Fernando Pessoa & Co playing cards

Fernando Pessoa & Co playing cards

Fernando Pessoa & Co playing cards - Lisbon

Portuguese Conjuring Playing Cards

Portuguese Conjuring Playing Cards

Portuguese Conjuring Playing Cards, c.1850.

Early Spanish/Portuguese type

Early Spanish/Portuguese type

Fragment of a sheet of archaic Spanish-suited 'Dragon' playing cards found during restoration of a house in Antwerp built between 1559 and 1574

Portuguese Type Playing Cards c.1860

Portuguese Type Playing Cards c.1860

10 cards from a pack of later Portuguese ‘Dragon’ type cards from c.1860, with the Maid of batons about to club a dog.

Playing Cards by J J Nunes

Playing Cards by J J Nunes

Playing Cards by J J Nunes, Lisbon, Portugal

Portuguese Playing Cards

Portuguese Playing Cards

The Real Fábrica de Cartas de Jogar was founded in 1769, by Royal Charter of King José, under the master craftsman Lorenzo Solezio, brother of Félix Solesio who ran the Spanish Real Fábrica at Macharaviaya.

France

France

Some of the oldest cards still in existence come from France, as well as some of the best modern designs...

Grimaud Spanish pattern

Grimaud Spanish pattern

Grimaud Spanish pattern, c.1880

O. Gibert, Paris c.1840-60

O. Gibert, Paris c.1840-60

Gibert was a master card-maker whose fashionable playing cards were of a very high standard.

History and Evolution of Spades

History and Evolution of Spades

History and Evolution of Spades

Algeria

Algeria

Spanish suited playing cards produced by B. P. Grimaud (Paris) for Algeria, around 1910.

‘501’ playing cards by Alf Cooke

‘501’ playing cards by Alf Cooke

“Five 'o One” playing cards, a version of the Dondorf Rhineland pattern, manufactured by Universal Playing Card Co. Ltd for export to Scandinavia.

L. G. Sloan, Ltd

L. G. Sloan, Ltd

'Thames Side' Playing Cards manufactured by The Universal Playing Card Co., Ltd for L. G. Sloan, Ltd., 1930s.

Universe No.100 playing cards

Universe No.100 playing cards

Universe No.100 playing cards made by The Universal Playing Card Co. Ltd, Leeds, for Scandinavian countries.

Icelandic Chess playing cards

Icelandic Chess playing cards

Innovative "Icelandic Chess" pack, designed by Tryggvi Magnússon and manufactured by Alf Cooke Ltd (Universal Playing Card Co., Leeds) in 1942.

Romanian playing cards by Alf Cooke

Romanian playing cards by Alf Cooke

Romanian playing cards, manufactured and exported by the Universal Playing Card Co., Leeds, in the 1930s.

Danbrit

Danbrit

Danbrit playing cards by Alf Cooke, 1930s

Waddington’s “Envoy“ Series

Waddington’s “Envoy“ Series

Waddington’s “Envoy“ Series.

Waddington’s “Flying” Series, 1933

Waddington’s “Flying” Series, 1933

Waddington’s “Flying” Series, 1933.

Waddington’s Encore Series

Waddington’s Encore Series

Waddington’s Encore Series 1933.

Waddington’s Classic and Wildlife Series, 1933

Waddington’s Classic and Wildlife Series, 1933

Waddington’s Classic and Wildlife Series, 1933.

Waddington’s Varsity Series

Waddington’s Varsity Series

Waddington’s Varsity Series.

Waddington’s Sporting Series

Waddington’s Sporting Series

Waddington’s Sporting Series, 1933.

Waddington’s Cir-Q-Lar Playing Cards

Waddington’s Cir-Q-Lar Playing Cards

Waddington's Cir-Q-Lar Playing Cards, c.1930

Barribal Series

Barribal Series

William H. Barribal (1873 - 1956) was a London artist who created the Waddingtons 'Barribal' playing cards series, which are avidly collected today.

Waddington’s Sporting Birds Series 1933

Waddington’s Sporting Birds Series 1933

Waddington’s Sporting Birds Series 1933.

Waddington’s Wildlife and Classic Series, 1933

Waddington’s Wildlife and Classic Series, 1933

Waddington’s Wildlife and Classic Series, 1933.

Waddington’s Clan Tartan Series

Waddington’s Clan Tartan Series

Waddington’s Clan Tartan Series, 1933.

Waddington’s “Rural England” Series, 1933

Waddington’s “Rural England” Series, 1933

Waddington’s "Rural England" Series, 1933.

Harry Rountree

Harry Rountree

Designs by Harry Rountree (1878-1950); Waddington's 1933 Trade Brochure.

Waddington’s Old Master Series, 1933

Waddington’s Old Master Series, 1933

Waddington’s Old Master Series, 1933

Waddington’s 1933 Trade Brochure

Waddington’s 1933 Trade Brochure

Waddington’s 1933 Trade Brochure.

Waddington’s Dog Series

Waddington’s Dog Series

Waddington’s Dog Series, 1933

Thomson-Leng Tarot

Thomson-Leng Tarot

The Thomson-Leng Tarot Cards were issued by the publishers of women's magazines during the 1930s. The cards are loosely based upon the Rider-Waite tarot.

English Tarot Cards

English Tarot Cards

The game of tarot was not widely accepted in England until the 1870s when a number of English occultists had begun taking an interest.

Picture Show — Zodiac Fortune Telling Cards

Picture Show — Zodiac Fortune Telling Cards

Zodiac Celebrities fortune-telling cards presented with 'Picture Show' magazine, 1930. The cards were printed in black and red and supplied as uncut sheets inserted into the magazine.

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

Adametz, Vienna

Adametz, Vienna

Cards from a 54-card "Austrian Tarock" or "Industrie und Glück Tarock" pack made by Franz Adametz of Vienna, c.1948. This type of pack originated around the middle of the 19th century and was used (and still is) in Austria and Hungary.

Danish Tarok Cards - Holmblad, c.1850

Danish Tarok Cards - Holmblad, c.1850

The traditional animal images on tarok decks are here substituted by images of buildings from Copenhagen and the surrounding area. The deck had several editions, with each new edition updating the latest changes to the buildings that had taken place since the previous edition.

Danish Tarok Cards - Salomon & Co., c.1906

Danish Tarok Cards - Salomon & Co., c.1906

Danish Tarok cards published by S. Salomon & Co., Kjøbenhavn, c.1906.

Danish playing cards - Tarock trumps

Danish playing cards - Tarock trumps

Two versions of trump no.15 depicting the Thorvaldsen Museum.

Animal Tarok by Jean Friedrich Mayer (1752-1783)

Animal Tarok by Jean Friedrich Mayer (1752-1783)

Animal Tarok by Jean Friedrich Mayer (1752-1783).

History of Danish Playing Cards

History of Danish Playing Cards

The earliest mention of playing-cards in Denmark dates from 1487 when King Hans, who reigned from 1481-1513 and was notorious for his gambling, again and again drew money from the treasury to pay for his losses.

Spanish suited pack for Nestlé

Spanish suited pack for Nestlé

Spanish-suited pack produced by Chas Goodall & Son Ltd for South America.

Chas Goodall and Son 1820-1922

Chas Goodall and Son 1820-1922

Today nothing remains of Charles Goodall's Camden Works, where three-quarters of the playing cards printed in Britain were produced.

T O Weigel, Leipzig, 1885

T O Weigel, Leipzig, 1885

Cards from a pack designed by Ludwig Burger, 1885

Naipes Finos — No.304 Spanish Pack

Naipes Finos — No.304 Spanish Pack

Spanische Spielkarten "Naipes Finos" No.304, manufactured by B. Dondorf designed by the catalan artist Apel-les Mestres, Barcelona, 1902.

The Book of Trades by Jost Amman, 1588

The Book of Trades by Jost Amman, 1588

The Book of Trades by the prolific German Renaissance artist Jost Amman (1539-91). Suits are books, printers' pads, wine-pots and drinking cups.

Logica Memorativa

Logica Memorativa

Logica Memorativa playing cards by Thomas Murner, Brussels, 1507.

The Princely Hunting pack, c.1440

The Princely Hunting pack, c.1440

The Princely Hunting Pack, c.1440/45, is attributed to Konrad Witz and his workshop in Basle.

Peter Flötner, c.1545

Peter Flötner, c.1545

Seven cards from a satirical pack produced by Peter Flötner of Nuremberg, c.1545. The suit symbols are acorns, leaves, bells and hearts. The block-cutter and publisher was Franz Christoph Zell.

Early German Engraved Playing-cards

Early German Engraved Playing-cards

During the second half of the fifteenth century, with printing technology commercially established and playing cards already a mass-produced commodity, a succession of masterly German engravers practised their art and decorative playing cards reached a zenith.

Playing cards in the Upper Rhine region

Playing cards in the Upper Rhine region

Documentary evidence suggests that card playing established itself in Italy in 1376, and then spread rapidly northwards across the Alps into the Upper Rhine regions of Germany and Switzerland and westwards into France and Spain.

South German Engraver

South German Engraver

Conforming to an archaic format of 52 cards with banner 10s, female 'Sotas', horsemen and kings, the pack is of interest on account of a number of other packs with similar characteristics surviving elsewhere, suggesting an archaic variant of the Spanish-suited pack.

Latin American Playing Cards

Latin American Playing Cards

Playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés, whose fellow countrymen were keen gamblers. Cards were imported from Spain since the 16th century. Local production usually imitated Spanish cards.

Cusco Inca Souvenir

Cusco Inca Souvenir

Pre-Incas & Incas Souvenir Playing Cards, Cusco, Peru, 2000.

Litografía Fabbri, Lima, Peru, c.1900-20

Litografía Fabbri, Lima, Peru, c.1900-20

Litografía Fabbri, Lima, Peru, c.1900-20, printers of cigarette insert cards for tobacco companies.

Inka-Dynasty

Inka-Dynasty

'Inka-Dynasty' playing cards are based on historic 16th century designs by the Peruvian chronicler Felipe Guamán Poma de Ayala, and printed by Power Casinos, Lima, Peru, c.2004.

OBD Playing Cards made in Peru

OBD Playing Cards made in Peru

Spanish-suited playing cards printed by OBD, S.A., Lima, Peru, 1976.

Animals Quartet printed for Cigarrillos El Figaro, Peru

Animals Quartet printed for Cigarrillos El Figaro, Peru

Animals Quartet game printed for Cigarrillos El Figaro, Peru, early 1900s.

Laboratorios Magma, S.A.

Laboratorios Magma, S.A.

Publicity playing cards manufactured for Laboratorios Magma, S.A., Lima, Peru, c.1990.

Estanco de Naipes del Perú

Estanco de Naipes del Perú

In October 1888 the Republic of Peru Congress passed Law no.26 establishing taxes on playing cards, whether imported or locally produced, according to the quality of the cards.

Naipe Peruano

Naipe Peruano

Peruvian costumes playing cards.

Disney playing cards from Peru

Disney playing cards from Peru

Disney playing cards from Peru.

Biermans for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

Biermans for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

Standard Genoese pattern with French indices made by Biermans for Cigarrillo Holiday and the Estanco de Naipes del Perú.

Playing Cards manufactured by The US Playing Card Co for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

Playing Cards manufactured by The US Playing Card Co for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru

Playing cards manufactured by The US Playing Card Co for the Estanco de Naipes del Peru, 1920s - 1950s.

Toyo playing cards No.88 for Peru

Toyo playing cards No.88 for Peru

Toyo playing cards No.88 manufactured in China for the “Estanco de Naipes del Perú”, 1950s.

Piatnik & Sons for the“Estanco de Naipes del Perú”

Piatnik & Sons for the“Estanco de Naipes del Perú”

Playing Cards made by Piatnik & Sons for the“Estanco de Naipes del Perú”, c.1960.

Peruvian Football playing cards

Peruvian Football playing cards

Football playing cards made in Peru.

16<sup>th</sup> century cards discovered in Peru

16th century cards discovered in Peru

Fragments of playing cards and 2 dice were unearthed in a 16th century rubbish tip adjacent to a Spanish house in the lower Rimac Valley in Peru, providing evidence of games played by early Spanish settlers.

Roldan Tobacco Cards, Peru

Roldan Tobacco Cards, Peru

Tobacco cards with miniature playing cards inset into top corners, printed by Litografía y Tipografía Fabbri Hermanos, for Roldan y Cia Tobacco, Lima, c.1895.

El Reloj card game by Imprenta Lecaros

El Reloj card game by Imprenta Lecaros

“El Reloj” card game by Imprenta Lecaros, Lima, Peru, c.1920.

Silver Cards from Peru

Silver Cards from Peru

Spanish-suited silver cards, richly embellished and enamelled, from a former Spanish Viceroy in Peru, dated 1745.

Peruvian Souvenir Playing Cards

Peruvian Souvenir Playing Cards

Assorted scenes from Peruvian landscape, architecture and culture published by Jan Mer S.A.C., c.2000.

Naipes y Casinos Industria Peruana

Naipes y Casinos Industria Peruana

Naipes Tipo Español “Naipes y Casinos” Industria Peruana.

Pavias Playing Cards made in Peru

Pavias Playing Cards made in Peru

Pavias playing cards made in Peru, c.1990.

Cigarrillos Compadre, Peru, early 1900s

Cigarrillos Compadre, Peru, early 1900s

Spanish-suited playing cards for Cigarrillos Compadre, Peru, early 1900s

Peruvian Playing Cards

Peruvian Playing Cards

Playing cards have been travelling from Spain to South American colonies ever since Christopher Columbus.

Coca~Cola themed pack for Ripley department store, Peru

Coca~Cola themed pack for Ripley department store, Peru

Coca-Cola themed deck produced for Ripley Department Store, Peru, anonymous manufacturer, c.2000.

Spanish-suited deck for the Estanco de Naipes del Perú

Spanish-suited deck for the Estanco de Naipes del Perú

Spanish-suited playing cards printed for the Estanco de Naipes del Perú.

Unsun Karuta

Unsun Karuta

Unsun Karuta うんすんかるた Japan c.1780.

Japanese Playing Cards

Japanese Playing Cards

Japanese playing cards include: 'Awase' or 'matching pairs' cards and Portuguese or Spanish-derived 'Dragon' type cards.

Las Cartas de Tacuabe by Manos del Uruguay

Las Cartas de Tacuabe by Manos del Uruguay

Tacuabé was a Charrúa native from Uruguay, an indigenous tribe that became extinct following European conquest and colonisation.

Escalada y Vidiella, Montevideo c.1860

Escalada y Vidiella, Montevideo c.1860

Cards from a 40-card pack made in Belgium by Antoine van Genechten exclusively for the firm "Escalada y Vidiella" based in Montevideo (Uruguay) in c.1860.

Uruguay playing card tax

Uruguay playing card tax

In 1806 the Council of Concepción del Uruguay imposed an 8 Peso tax on card and billiard tables on account of “the detrimental effect on poor and innocent people”

Naipes Tatú

Naipes Tatú

Naipes Tatú, M.C. de Casabó S.A., Montevideo, c.1956

Naipes “El Gaucho”, c.1955-60

Naipes “El Gaucho”, c.1955-60

Naipes “El Gaucho” Manufactured by Gráficos Unidos S.A., Montevideo, c.1955-60

Naipes ‘Retruco’

Naipes ‘Retruco’

Naipes ‘Retruco’ published by Fantasias S.A., Montevideo, c.1980.

The ‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern

The ‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern

A version of the old Spanish National pattern which was manufactured by Parisian card makers in the 19th century for export to South America.

Naipes 210 made by Industria Gráfica Papelera S.A.

Naipes 210 made by Industria Gráfica Papelera S.A.

Naipes '210' playing cards made in Uruguay by Industria Gráfica Papelera S.A. (Ingrapa), c.1990.

Cía General de Fósforos Montevideana

Cía General de Fósforos Montevideana

The design of these Spanish-suited cards is the same Spanish Catalan style as used by their sister company in Argentina, Cía General de Fósforos, S.A.

Naipes Victoria Gaucho-themed pack, c.1975

Naipes Victoria Gaucho-themed pack, c.1975

Naipes Victoria Spanish-suited, gaucho-themed pack celebrates the culture and traditions of the gauchos.

Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino

Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino

Naipes Conrad Punta del Este Casino playing cards produced specially for Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino.

Naipes ‘El Gaucho’

Naipes ‘El Gaucho’

Naipes ‘El Gaucho’ manufactured and distributed by Caraven S.A., Montevideo, Uruguay, c.1990s.

Naipes ‘American’

Naipes ‘American’

Naipes ‘American’ by M.C. de CASABÓ Ltda, Montevideo, c.1950.

Naipes ‘Jaque’ by Casabó S.A., c.1997

Naipes ‘Jaque’ by Casabó S.A., c.1997

Naipes ‘Jaque’ Catalan pattern manufactured by Casabó S.A. for Laboratorios Gautier, c.1997.

Naipes ‘Bambú’

Naipes ‘Bambú’

Naipes ‘Bambú’ manufactured by M.C. de Casabó Ltda, Montevideo, c.1950

The Monkey

The Monkey

‘The Monkey’ poker playing cards manufactured by M.C. de Casabó Ltda, Uruguay, c.1950.

Proverbs and Maxims

Proverbs and Maxims

Naipe Infantil Gauchito children’s miniature playing cards with Proverbs and Maxims on the reverse,

Instituto Nacional de Calidad 2006 awards

Instituto Nacional de Calidad 2006 awards

Spanish-suited playing cards made specially for the Instituto Nacional de Calidad 2006 awards.

Walt Disney playing cards

Walt Disney playing cards

‘Naipes Donald’, children's miniature Spanish-suited Walt Disney playing cards, Uruguay, c.1990.

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

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

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

Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño

Spanish playing cards for Yerba Armiño

Spanish-suited playing cards for Yerba Armiño, anonymous manufacturer probably made in China.

Popular heroes and celebrities

Popular heroes and celebrities

Miniature children's playing cards depicting popular heroes and celebrities on the backs, Montevideo, c.1928.

Scooby-Doo! playing cards for Hellmann’s Magic

Scooby-Doo! playing cards for Hellmann’s Magic

Miniature Spanish-suited playing cards featuring Scooby-Doo! made specially for Hellmann’s.

Radisson Hotels

Radisson Hotels

Playing cards for Radisson Hotels - Casinos del Estado - Victoria Plaza, Montevideo, Uruguay, c.2009.

Hewson Replica Pack

Hewson Replica Pack

Hand-made replica 17th century English playing cards, based on museum originals.

Regarding the designs of playing cards

Regarding the designs of playing cards

The quality of playing card designs often deteriorates with time…

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

MusoDeck Playing Cards for Musicians

The Enchanted Journey

The Enchanted Journey

The Enchanted Journey

Playing Cards in Venezuela

Playing Cards in Venezuela

Naipes “El Torero” No. 1000 manufactured in Caracas by Productos Nacaral C.A., c.1975

Tensho Mekuri - Japan

Tensho Mekuri - Japan

Tensho Mekuri cards hand-made by Patricia Kirk, 2003.

Hana Fuda - Japan

Hana Fuda - Japan

Hana Fuda playing cards hand-made by Patricia Kirk, 2003

16th Century French Playing Cards based on Illustrations by Gurney Benham

16th Century French Playing Cards based on Illustrations by Gurney Benham

This pack of cards by Rose & Pentagram is said to be based off Pierre Marechal, Rouen pack from the 1600s, but they are actually copies of drawings by Gurney Benham from his book Playing Cards: Their History and Secrets from 1930.

Politicards 2000 by Action Publishing

Politicards 2000 by Action Publishing

Politicards 2000 features 54, full colour, caricatures of the candidates, politicians and political pundits shaping the American presidential elections in 2000

The Hemp Culture Playing Cards

The Hemp Culture Playing Cards

There is an underlying element of subtle humour in these cleverly designed playing cards, gently questioning the issue of legality.

Polaires - Foreign Legion Playing Cards

Polaires - Foreign Legion Playing Cards

A Bridge-style deck featuring Foreign Legion paintings by Maitre Rosenberg.

2000Pips Transformation Pack

2000Pips Transformation Pack

2000Pips Transformation Pack

Compucards Review

Compucards Review

Playing cards with binary numbers for the computer generation by Sam Pitroda, 1983.

The Five Minute Handwriting Analysis Kit

The Five Minute Handwriting Analysis Kit

Handwriting Insights - the 5 minute handwriting analysis kit - allows you to better understand people, including yourself, by looking at the way they write.

Grace Cards

Grace Cards

Packs come complete with suggested instructions for playing a number of popular family games, at the same time, they promote the Word of God.

Hot Sauce Playing Cards

Hot Sauce Playing Cards

Each card shows an image of a bottle of hot Chilli Sauce (spelt 'chile' on the cards), a map of where the product is made, a heat gauge plus amusing notes and information about the particular sauce.

Chance Playing Cards by Catalyst UK

Chance Playing Cards by Catalyst UK

CHANCE Playing Cards are produced by Catalyst, an open group of women artists and scientists founded in 1995 in Portsmouth UK.

4 Seasons Playing Cards

4 Seasons Playing Cards

Colours of the Four Seasons - Playing Card Art Deck

Frozen Court - The Aethiopic Rendering

Frozen Court - The Aethiopic Rendering

A deck made specifically for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first African-american college fraternity, for their 2000 convention.

Self-Nurturing Solitaire

Self-Nurturing Solitaire

Self-Nurturing Solitaire is a deck of cards designed to improve Self-Esteem.

The Deal Playing-card Project

The Deal Playing-card Project

A deck of cards produced as a creative collaboration and made possible largely through volunteers and sponsorship of various kinds.

W. H. Willis & Co

W. H. Willis & Co

Willis & Company was formed in 1869, having been preceded by Charles Steer at the same address (80 Long Acre, London), who also manufactured playing cards during the 1850s and 60s.

Panama playing cards

Panama playing cards

Not a lot of playing cards have been produced in Panama, only a couple of locally-produced tourist souvenir packs.

South American Gaucho Playing Cards

South American Gaucho Playing Cards

Gaucho Playing Cards from South America

Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts

“Queen of Hearts” by Josie Callipari, winner of the Brian Tucker Accounting Desert Fantasia Award 2005

Pachimon Playing Cards

Pachimon Playing Cards

Quirky Pachimon playing cards from 1970s Japan, featuring unique monsters and aliens, given away with Kewpie mayonnaise.