c.1890s USA mounted photo of early steam launch (Great Lakes?)
Mounted photo of is an early steam launch, sometimes called a steam naphtha launch or light tug, dating roughly Circa 1885–1900 Key identifying features visible in photo: Single straight smokestack (no spark arrestor → early period) Low, narrow hull typical of launches, not heavy tugs Small cabin / pilot house with simple windows Flag at stern (common on excursion or private launches) Open foredeck with minimal bulwarks Two men in work clothes → likely crew or yard workers Shoreline with planks and posts → small landing or boatyard, not a commercial dock This is the type of vessel used for: Light towing Ferrying passengers short distances Tender service for larger steamers Private or resort launches Small‑town harbor work It is not a Great Lakes deep‑water tug. It is a light-duty steam launch, probably 25–40 feet long. Probable geographic origin Upper Midwest / Great Lakes region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, or northern Illinois) Mounted on a custom thick card. Frame 5 ¼ ” x 6 ¼ ” Photo 3 ¾” x 4 ¾” Chip at bottom of frame and LL corner.