Rediscover the charm and elegance of a bygone era with The Apollo Playing Cards, a faithful reproduction of one of America's most beautiful vintage playing card designs. Originally created by the National Card Company of Indianapolis in the 1880s as their "Apollo No. 33" brand, this historic deck has been meticulously recreated in collaboration with the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) to bring collectors and players a true-to-life homage to the iconic four-leaf clover back design.
The National Card Company was founded in 1886 by Samuel J. Murray, a brilliant employee who left Russell, Morgan & Co. (predecessor to USPCC) to establish his own playing card manufactory in Indianapolis with offices in New York City. Murray had actually designed and installed much of Russell, Morgan & Co.'s equipment before his departure, making him a formidable competitor. The Apollo brand, designated as No. 33, was one of the National Card Company's premier offerings alongside Steamboats, Crescent, and Rambler brands.
In 1894, the National Card Co. was merged with the United States Playing Card Company as a key component in USPCC's consolidation of the American playing card industry. Most of the National brands, including Apollo, remained in production under the USPCC name well into the 20th century. The gorgeous four-leaf clover back design became one of the most recognizable and beloved patterns in American playing card history.
This official reproduction was created by Revival Design Company—Daniel Nicholas, Jason Ladanye, and Jody Eklund—who spent years working with USPCC to perfect every detail. The result is a deck that honors the rich history and enduring appeal of the original while meeting modern handling and performance standards. The Standard Blue Edition features the classic clover back design in its traditional coloring, recreating the look and feel that made Apollo No. 33 a favorite over a century ago.
Premium Features:
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Premium USPCC Casino-Grade Stock: Printed on Tally-Ho stock for superior modern card feel
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Traditionally Cut: Classic traditional cut ensures period-appropriate handling
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Original Back Design: Faithful reproduction of the iconic four-leaf clover pattern
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Original Face Design: Features the original Jokers and Ace of Spades designs from the National Card Co. era
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USPCC's Highest Quality Presses: Printed on USPCC's finest printing equipment for outstanding handling and performance
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Limited 1st Edition Print Run: First reproduction run of this historic design
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Historic Authenticity: Tuck box features original "National Card Co. / No. 33 / Superior Apollo Playing Cards / Indianapolis & New York U.S.A." text
- The Ace of Spades recreates the original National Card Company design, featuring the period-appropriate text and artwork that distinguished Apollo as a premium brand in the late 19th century. The Jokers maintain the original character and charm of the National Card Co. era, when playing card companies competed on both quality and artistic merit.
This reproduction represents more than just a set of cards—it's a piece of American playing card history brought back to life. The National Card Company's legacy lives on through USPCC, which acquired Samuel Murray's company in 1894 and integrated it into what would become the world's largest playing card manufacturer. The Apollo No. 33 clover back design remained one of the most elegant patterns from that golden age of American card manufacturing.
Perfect For:
- Collectors of vintage and historic playing cards
- Players who appreciate traditional designs and handling
- Magic performers seeking cards with classic aesthetics
- History enthusiasts interested in late 19th-century American manufacturing
- Gift-giving for those who value nostalgia and craftsmanship
- Display alongside other historic USPCC reproductions
Whether you're a collector preserving playing card history, a performer who appreciates vintage aesthetics, or simply someone who values beautiful traditional card designs, the Apollo Blue edition delivers authentic period charm with modern USPCC quality. This limited first edition reproduction offers a rare opportunity to own a faithful recreation of one of the National Card Company's finest achievements—the gorgeous Apollo No. 33 clover back design that captivated players over 130 years ago.
