Introduced in 1898. Discontinued in 1906. A very handsome design that was updated in 1906 (see Lantern No. 2), even though it was completely symmetrical. Most designs that were updated during that period had a design element that rendered the back “one-way” or asymmetrical, such as a wheel with three wings in the center (the most common asymmetrical element). Complete decks of Lantern No. 1 are not seen often, although singles do circulate. Finding a Lantern No. 1 deck in its original box is a rare occurrence.

The red card pictured above has small holes in the center of each end. Singles of different Bicycle backs from this era are sometimes found with these holes. I was puzzled by this until I found a picture of an early store display with Bicycle cards connected by small brass rings, strung together in a garland. An example of one of these extraordinary window displays can be seen in the last image, below.