In the late 1800’s, United States Playing Card Company began creating exciting new brands featuring different, or non-standard court cards in order to celebrate their new beginning in the market. There were several Stage decks and Transformation decks and also these “Circus No.47”, was first issued in 1896.

The advertising copy ran as follows: “The staid old Kings, Queens and Jacks have given way to various well-known ring masters, clowns and queens.