José Serrano

Published June 25, 2022 Updated June 25, 2023

‘Raimundo García’ pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875.

1875 Spain José Serrano Raimundo García Pattern

Spanish-suited playing cards in the Raimundo García pattern produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. The ace of coins has the arms of Spain with the inscription “Fabrica de Pamplona” while the maker’s name appears on the four of coins.

The design is the Raimundo García pattern, originating from Madrid earlier in the 19th century. García outsourced production, resulting in similar cards made by various manufacturers. Later, unrelated firms adopted the design, using different colours and giving the designs a firmer, bolder appearance. See García y Boyer (1880)

Raimundo García pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. © The Trustees of the British Museum Raimundo García pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. © The Trustees of the British Museum Raimundo García pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. © The Trustees of the British Museum Raimundo García pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: ‘Raimundo García’ pattern playing cards produced in Pamplona by José Serano, c.1875. 48 cards, hand-coloured woodcuts. Backs printed in pink with a small pattern. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.838

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 37) [digital version here]

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