Le carte di Tex

Tex Willer – the Texas Ranger – is the main fictional character of the Italian comic book series Tex, created by writer Gian Luigi Bonelli (1908-2001) and illustrator Aurelio Galleppini (1917-1994), first published in Italy in 1948. Tex is an Italian interpretation of a hero and tough guy of the American Old West who defends Native Americans and goes on to become the Chief of the Navajo tribe. He and other unnamed characters are featured on the courts, Aces and Jokers in this pack. One unusual feature is the symbol found on all the 2s – a five-pointed star within a circle, presumably representing the ranger’s badge, but more normally used on playing cards to indicate a Joker. See the box►

Above: ‘Le carte di Tex’ playing cards made by Modiano, Trieste, for Sergio Bonelli Editore, Milan, Italy, 2017. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 extra card in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm. © Sergio Bonelli Editore S.p.A. 2017.