1940s Statler Hotel Matchbook Holder / Ashtray

Description

This vintage matchbook holder / ashtray recalls a golden age of the hospitality trade. One of the earliest American hotel … more This vintage matchbook holder / ashtray recalls a golden age of the hospitality trade. One of the earliest American hotel chains, the brand was found by E.M. Statler in 1901 when he constructed his first hotel for the Buffalo Pan-American Exposition. This structure, a temporary one, was capable of accommodating 5000 guests. He followed that venture with another temporary lodging for the 1904 St. Louis Lewis & Clark Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair. After that hotels were built in rapid succession in cities such as Buffalo, New York, D.C., L.A. & Dallas. Liberace was even under contract to entertain at the chain in the 1940s.

We are uncertain from which of the properties (Dallas? Boston? NYC? Cleveland? D.C.? or other) this piece originated, but we date it to the 1940s before the chain was sold.

Excellent vintage condition with vibrant color, no chips, no cracks, no crazing; tiny glaze fabrication flaw on rim.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical UPS ground. less