Mys Graphics International “Hand Cut, Hand Tinted” Playing Cards, Nick Mys Designs, Limited Edition (15/350), Artist Signed, c.1980

Extremely rare and handsome deck featuring original designs by artist Nick Mys, and presumably self-published by the artist. The seller to me indicated that he bought the deck approximately 35 years ago, and so I have dated it c.1980; however, information about these cards and Mr. Mys is non-existent. It is a shame that the cards have been overlooked in the literature, because these cards are beautifully made.

The deck has 52 suited cards, plus 2 Jokers, plus a blank card. The backgrounds of the faces of the cards are black, as is the face of the blank card; the backs of the cards are solid gold color. In addition to the playing cards, there is a card with a different back and a plain white face that has been signed by the artist. There is also a piece of paper (not a playing card) announcing the deck, that is signed by the artist. The cards are square cornered, and have been cut by hand from thick stock, reminiscent of some of the decks made by Charles Pry. They are also hand tinted. The cards are slightly short and slightly wide, measuring approximately 86mm x 61mm, “approximate” because cut by hand. The cards are housed in a wrapper, unique to these cards.

The cards are mint, and the wrapper is in excellent condition, clean and without tears.

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