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.