Naipes Samsó N°2-S
Naipes Samsó published by N.E.G.S.A. (Barcelona) c.1965.

José Samsó y Cía was acquired by Naipes Comas in 1895 and the former company’s brand names were continued. In this example printed by N.E.G.S.A. in c.1965 the brand name is “El León” but the artwork, although similar to the original designs, has been replaced with Comas’ own version of the standard Catalan pattern which had been in use since around 1900. The two lower court figures stand on small patches of ground; only the kings wear moustaches and there are no beards. The four of cups has the lion motif.


Above: Naipes Samsó published by N.E.G.S.A. (Barcelona) c.1965. 40 cards.

Above: uncut sheet of miniature playing cards no.3-S by Naipes Comas, late XIX century. 53 x 54.1 cm, Source Museu Frederic Marès (Barcelona) • Naipes Comas►

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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