P. Buscaglia: Spanish-suited cards

Spanish-suited playing cards in the old Spanish National pattern published by P. Buscaglia, Mele & Genova, late 19th century. Cards like these, usually of rudimentary quality, were mostly produced in France for export to North Africa, but also produced anonymously in Morocco and elsewhere; these were produced in Italy. On the ace of coins are the arms of Leon and Castile, with the inscription "P. Buscaglia, Mele and Genova" and Italian duty stamps "per l'Estero". The cards were evidently made for export to foreign shores.

Above: Spanish-suited cards published by P Buscaglia, Mele & Genova, late 19th century. 40 cards, hand-coloured woodcut. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.822►

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (Spanish 8) [digital version here]