Mesmaekers Frères
18: Belgian Cards: An Introduction
-
by Ken Lodge
The card-makers of Turnhout were prolific in their output and inveterate copiers.
23: Belgian Makers: Mesmaekers
-
by Ken Lodge
Gustaaf Mesmaekers founded his business in 1859 in association with Louis-François Moentack, who left the business in 1862.
Anon Spanish Cards c.1875
-
by Simon Wintle
Spanish-suited playing cards made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères, c.1875.
Chi Chi Pai
-
by Simon Wintle
Chinese “Chi Chi Pai” Playing Cards by Mesmaekers Frères for Far East market.
L’union fait la force
“L’Union Fait la Force”, sometimes known as “the Allied pack”, has the four suits dedicated to the victorious nations of the Second World War.
Mesmaekers & Moentack, c.1860
-
by Simon Wintle
The Mesmaekers firm had been established in Turnhout in 1859 by the partnership of Gustaaf Mesmaekers and Louis-François Moentack.
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack, c.1875
-
by Simon Wintle
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack for export to Spanish colonies and South American countries, c.1875
Naypes Finos made in Belgium
-
by Simon Wintle
Belgian manufacturers were competing against Spanish makers. Features of the traditional Spanish designs, including many well-known brands, were imitated or plagiarised.
Philips Arlita
Philips 'Arlita' advertising playing cards manufactured by Etabl. Mesmaekers Frères S.A., Turnhout, Belgium, 1925.
Portuguese Type Playing Cards made in Belgium
-
by Simon Wintle
Portuguese type pack with ‘dragon’ aces made in Belgium by Mesmaekers Frères, Turnhout, c.1875-1900.
Scaramouche
Scaramouche cartes à jouer with designs by Henri Favre, published by Le Triboulet, France.
West Flanders Souvenir
-
by Simon Wintle
West Flanders Souvenir pack manufactured in Belgium by Mesmaekers, c.1950.