In 1894, the U.S. Playing Card Company incorporated as an independent entity from the other Russell & Morgan printing concerns. As a result, the name was again changed on the Bicycle ace of spades, although the reference to the Russell and Morgan Factories was retained. For the first time, the ace of spades referenced the numerical designation, 808.

The US8b Joker depicts a King with a jester-type hat, riding a bicycle past an 808 milestone–also the first time the number appeared on the joker. The US8b joker is identical to the one issued with the US8aa decks, and very similar to the one issued with the later US8d decks, but generally more detailed than the latter. The earliest US8b boxes are the same as the tuck case used for the earlier US8aa decks, except the United States Playing Card Company is referenced instead of the U.S. Printing Company.

The last four images show the very rare Krupps deck, which you can read about on the Racer No. 1 page.

Back Designs Issued in this Style:
     Note: “808x” indicates that the back design was known to be issued with gold edges

 1. Acorn                                             808x
11. Autocycle No. 1
21. Cupid (Sod)
21. Cupid (Crosshatch) – both one-way and symmetrical versions
22. Cyclist No. 1
28. Emblem
29. Expert
33. Lantern No. 1
35. League (No Border)
35. League
37. Lotus
46. Model No. 1                                 808x
56. New Fan
57. Old Fan
58. Pedal
59. Pneumatic No. 1                          808x
61. Racer No. 1
63. Rider
65. Safety
67. Sprocket No. 1
74. Thistle (Grass)
74. Thistle (Brick)
76. Tri-Tire No. 1
80. Wheel No. 1

[list in formation]