Bartolo Borrego, Mexico
40-card Spanish-suited woodblock and stencil pack made in Mexico by Bartolo Borrego, 1836.
Bartolo Borrego, Mexico, 1836
...the old ‘Spanish National’ pattern
Borrego was manufacturing cards at least until the 1860s, and his packs were based on the old Spanish National pattern produced in Macharaviaya. The signature on the four of cups is believed to be related to some form of taxation or inspection regime similar to the system used in Spain.
Above: 24 cards from a 40-card woodblock and stencil pack made in Mexico by Bartolo Borrego, 1836. Cards courtesy of Juan José Pérez-Castejón.
See also: Mexico • Spanish Playing Cards • Navarra 17th Century • Early References • History of Playing Cards • Seville 17th Century • Spanish National Pattern • The Money Bag pattern • Pedro Bosio • Gothic Spanish-Suited Cards • Rotxotxo Inventories • Joan Barbot • Gandarillas • Naipes Artiguistas • Naipe Victoria • Naipes Nacionales • Souvenir of Mexico • El Fenix • El León • Gallo • Baraja Taurina • Aztec Playing Cards • Aeronaves de Mexico • Anonymous Manufacturers • La Cubana • Camacho • Editorial RAF • Pierrot • Acapulco Souvenir • Pronaco • Juegos y Fichas • Naipes Gacela • Macharaviaya
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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