Kamel Red

Two decks of pin-up cards made by United States Playing Card Co. for R.J. Reynolds, apparently in connection with a Red Kamel “reinvigoration” campaign in or about 1996. The “Camel” cigarette brand was originally “Kamel” until changed in 1936 by RJR. In 1996 RJR embarked on a marketing strategy aimed at a youthful audience, and in connection with that campaign it resurrected the old “Kamel” spelling. These are not “twin” decks. Each has a different pin-up illustration on the back, and the boxes have completely different designs. But they “belong together” because they are sold together in a distinctive metal tin. The image on the tin is the same as the illustration on the backs of one of the decks. Each deck has 52 suited cards, plus 3 Jokers. The Jokers are standard Arrco Jokers, as USPCC had acquired Arrco a decade earlier.