Formed in 1872 as the American Steamship Co., Philadelphia and commenced passenger and cargo services to Queenstown and Liverpool, mostly with chartered ships. By 1884 passenger traffic on the North Atlantic had fallen and trade to Philadelphia decreased dramatically and the International Navigation Co of Philadelphia (Red Star Line) acquired the company. In 1892 an Act of Congress ensured that two large vessels of the British flagged Inman Line (owned by International Navigation Co) were transferred to the U.S. flag under the title of American Line. The parent company, International Navigation Co changed it's name in 1902 to International Mercantile Marine Co and purchased the share capitals of White Star, Dominion, Atlantic Transport and Leyland Lines as well as owning Red Star Line. Subsequent history of the company is covered by Red Star Line. Courtesy:- http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/american.html American Line - SS Haverford - 104a with crossed flags American Line - SS Merion - 105a with crossed flags American Line - SS Merion HATS 62B MM Cuff Slant American Line - SS Merion - HATS 62B MM Sleeve American Line - SS Merion - HATS 62B MM Sleeve Slant American Line - USMS ST LOUIS - HATS 62B MM Sleeve Red - Unrecorded American Line - USMS ST PAUL - HATS 62B MM Sleeve - Unrecorded You can click on most images to see larger images or more information. We wish to buy Stevengraphs. One at a time or collections. We also seek photos, brochures or any item of related history. Malcolm J Roebuck, Copyright © 1999-2009 Stevengraphs Bookmarks & Postcards Etc.