Steamboats No.99  c.1890

Steamboats No.99 was one of a number of brands produced by the American Playing Card Co. of Kalamazoo. As was usually the case with the “Steamboat” brand, it was the lowest priced deck in the range and of a more rudimentary quality. The elaborate, patriotic Ace of Spades was used for other brands, as the brand name appears only on the Joker and box.

Above: 'Steamboats No.99' playing cards produced by the American Playing Card Co. of Kalamazoo, c.1890. The court cards appear to be based on the earlier designs of Russell & Morgan (U.S.P.C.C.). Images courtesy Rod Starling.

Right: the front and back of the box are identical. Click to zoom→

REFERENCES

Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000

All images on this page are from the collection of Rod Starling, author of "The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards".