Apollo

The Apollo brand represents one of the most distinguished names from America's golden age of playing cards. Created by the National Card Company of Indianapolis in the 1880s, Apollo playing cards were produced in numerous designs and back patterns—including the iconic four-leaf clover that became one of the most recognizable in American playing card history. Apollo decks were available with various back designs such as Acorn, Japanese Fan, Panel, and Baseball patterns, all available in red and blue, establishing Apollo as a versatile and well-respected brand.

Founded in 1886 by Samuel J. Murray—a brilliant engineer who designed much of Russell & Morgan's equipment before establishing his own company—the National Card Company quickly became a formidable competitor in the American card industry. Apollo was one of the company's premier brands alongside Steamboats, Crescent, and Rambler, distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship and innovative manufacturing techniques that reflected Murray's mechanical genius. In 1894, the National Card Company was acquired by the United States Playing Card Company, and Apollo continued production under USPCC's name well into the 20th century, with the brand evolving to include various Joker designs and artistic refinements.