Introduced in 1901. Discontinued in 1904. First called Locomobile, and the early boxes and at least two different special aces of spades identify the deck as “Locomobile” – click on “US8d” above to see examples of both. But, most Locomobile decks do not have the special Locomobile ace of spades. A hard to find deck, and extremely rare in green or brown. The only examples I have seen of the latter colors are single cards in salesman’s sample fold-outs.

Auto No. 1 is one of five different Bicycle designs from this era to have an image of the back design printed inside the top flap. See Autobike No. 1 for a picture of one of these interesting boxes. The “US8D” page lists all five known back designs with this feature.

Pictured below is a ca. 1900 advertisement for Bicycle cards, featuring the “Locomobile” back.

Also pictured is an 1899 Locomobile similar to the horseless carriage shown on the Auto No. 1 back. The final image is an advertisement for the “Locomobile,” also from 1899. Here’s some information about the Locomobile, courtesy of Wikipedia:

The Locomobile Company of America was a pioneering American automobile manufacturer founded in Massachusetts in 1899, known for its dedication to precision before the assembly-line era.  The name Locomobile was a combination of “locomotive” and “automobile,” in reference to the steam engines that powered the cars.

During the Boer War, Locomobile established a new mark of sorts, becoming the first automobile to be used in war; it was a generator and searchlight tractor used to dismantle the Klein Nek minefield.  It also served as a catering vehicle, with the useful ability (in British eyes, at least) of being able to brew a cup of tea by tapping the boiler.  This was, unfortunately, not a sure way to guarantee commercial success, even in Britain, and Locomobile started experimenting with gasoline engines in 1902.  Production switched entirely to internal combustion-powered luxury automobiles in 1903.

Locomobile was taken over in 1922 by Durant Motors and eventually went out of business in 1929. All cars ever produced by the original company were sold under the brand name Locomobile.