Baraja Napoleónica
Re-edition of a French-suited Spanish pack from the Napoleonic era, with designs by J. Carrafa.
The original version of this pack dates from 1811 when Joseph Bonaparte was on the throne of Spain. The designs are by J. Carrafa, while José León carried out the engraving. Napoleon and Josephine are featured on the King and Queen of Clubs, respectively. Only the courts have indices (in French - R, D, V). The Aces are decorated, as are the 4s. Rounded corners. The original pack was coloured by hand, whereas this one has been left at the uncoloured stage so that the talented collector may add his or her own colouring according to their taste! Limited edition of 200 packs (numbered on the box and on the 4 of Clubs).




Above: Baraja Napoleónica published by Naipes de la Cigüeña, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain, 1991. 52 cards + 2 ‘stork’ cards + 2 extra cards in tuck box. Size: 60 x 90 mm.
(cigüeña = stork)
REFERENCE
Fournier Museum Catalogue, Vol. I (1982). Cat. no. Spain 105.

By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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