“Abd-el-Kader” by Fossorier, Amar et Cie for Algeria

Published July 04, 2022 Updated July 17, 2023

Spanish National pattern produced by Fossorier, Amar et Cie (Paris) for Algeria, around 1902.

1902 Africa Algeria France Fossorier Amar et Cie E. Hellé Spanish National Pattern

A version of the old Spanish National pattern was produced by Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for export to Algeria. These were known as “Abd-el-Kader” and usually distinguished by a preponderance of green and a repeating pattern on the backs. The publisher’s name can be seen on each of the four aces while the name of the engraver E. Hellé is on the 10 of coins at the bottom left corner. The jacks and cavaliers are standing on small areas of scenery, but the kings are not. The cavalier of cups has the legend “Ahíva”. The tax stamp can be seen on the two of swords.

“Abd-el-Kader” produced by Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for Algeria, 1902-10. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France “Abd-el-Kader” produced by Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for Algeria, 1902-10. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France “Abd-el-Kader” produced by Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for Algeria, 1902-10. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France

Above: Spanish National pattern playing cards (“Abd-el-Kader”) produced by Fossorier, Amar & Cie of Paris for Algeria, 1902-10. 40 cards, colour lithography. Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France • Jeu de cartes au portrait espagnol, dit "Abd-el-Kader", destiné à l'Afrique du Nord

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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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