Naipes “El Gaucho”, c.1955-60
Naipes “El Gaucho” Manufactured by Gráficos Unidos S.A., Montevideo, c.1955-60
Manufactured by Gráficos Unidos S.A. (García Morales-Mercant), Dante 1978, Montevideo (Uruguay) c.1955-60
Only the name of the pack, the 2 Jokers and a motif on the four of couns, have Gaucho connotations: the style is a fantasy based on the ‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern. However, in some respects the court cards are closer to Fournier’s Castilian pattern than to Gauchos, especially the Kings. Gráficos Unidos S.A. was succeeded by Cervantes S.A. in the 1970s who continued to produce Naipes “El Gaucho”.

Above: detail from the four of coins, and the tax stamp on the seven of coins. See more about taxes →



Above: Naipes “El Gaucho” Manufactured by Gráficos Unidos S.A., Montevideo, c.1955-60. 48 cards + 2 jokers in box. Gráficos Unidos also produced Naipes “Gamo”, “Fútbol” and Naipes “Cabure”.

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.
Related Articles

Parisian Spanish pattern by Fossorier, Amar et Cie
‘Parisian’ Spanish pattern published by Fossorier, Amar et Cie (Paris), c.1902.

Parisian style Spanish deck by Grimaud
Parisian style Spanish deck by Grimaud for export to Uruguay.

Naipes ‘La Criolla’ by Anabella Corsi
Inspired by an archaic Spanish pattern formerly used in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Naipes ‘Charabon’
Naipes ‘Charabon’ - depicting the Gaucho as a national hero, Montevideo, 1983.

Naipes Artiguistas, 1816
Naipes Artiguistas published in Concepción del Uruguay, Entre Rios province (Argentina) in 1816, by ...

Playing Cards designed by Alvaros
Playing Cards designed by Alvaros, published by Eduardo Carrión, Montevideo, 2000

Club Nacional de Football, Uruguay
100th anniversary of the Club Nacional de Football, Uruguay, 1999.

Canasta
Canasta is a card game of the Rummy family which originated in Uruguay probably about 1947.

Copa de Oro 1980
Naipes “Copa de Oro 1980” manufactured by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, 1980.

Naipes Victoria
Victoria playing cards manufactured in Uruguay by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, c.1955....

Supermercados CHIP
Supermercados CHIP playing cards manufactured in Uruguay by Compañía General de Fósforos Montevidean...

Cía Gral de Fósforos
Compañía General de Fósforos Montevideana, founded in 1893.

Naipes Victoria Gaucho
Naipes Victoria Spanish-suited, gaucho-themed pack celebrating the culture and traditions of the gau...

Naipes ‘Baccarat’
An example of the typical version of the Spanish Catalan pattern which is widely used in South Ameri...

Las Cartas de Sara
Las Cartas de Sara (Yerba Mate) based on an idea by Diego Silva Pintos and illustrated by Hogue. Pro...

Chocolondo by Famosa
Chocolondo Waffle deck for Famosa.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days