Happy 4th of July...

If you get a chance, please stop by Chips Off the Old Block and take a look at our new specials. There is truly something for everyone. All you have to do is click below. They are as follows:

Ore House (Reno) - Great New Find...Set of 4 ***See below***
Hard Rock - Complete set of 7: new multi-colored flame roulettes
Excalibur - Complete set of 6: Table #4 roulettes
Aladdin - 5 NCV...true mint condition
Gold Coast - Obsolete 25 &100 NCV
Peppermill (Reno) - $25 1st Issue (Obsolete)
Red Garter (Wendover) - 2 Varieties of obsolete 25c chips
Silver Queen (Virginia City) $5 - Obsolete & Unused!!
The Cove $1 - California Illegal; Beautiful & unusual hotstamp
B&B Club (Hotsprings) - Classic Arkansas Arodie Illegal
Normandie Club (Cal) - Obsolete Small Crown Tourney chip
New Las Vegas LE's - Your choice...500 chip issues
Pink Pussycat (Reno) - Scarce no "$" set of 3
Resorts (AC) - Unauthorized "Original Superstars" Chipco set of 2
Resorts (AC) $5 - "Home of Pavarotti"

Thanks for stopping by!!

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In case you missed it, here's the original text of the Ore House info:

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The Ore House - Reno, Nevada
102 Year Old New Addition to Nevada Gaming History

The building was built in 1897. It was originally built to provide housing for construction workers working on the railroad at that time. That remained its purpose until the late 1930's, when it became a bar. It's remained so ever since…for over 60 years.

The location of the property is shown at various times as either 5540 or 5544 Sun Valley Blvd. Nevada gaming records show a series of restricted licenses (slots only). The first of these was under the name of Gordon's Sun Valley Bar from January 22, 1970 to September 30, 1990. The licensee is shown as Sparrel H. Holcomb. From November 1, 1990 to June 30, 1993, the licensee was Kent D. Cotterell. At that time, the bar was simply called the Sun Valley Bar. The name remained the same through the next 2 licensees…Gary J. Martin from July 1, 1993 to April 25, 1995 and Anne L. Gaffke from April 26, 1995 to July 21, 1998.

When the present owners of the bar bought it from Ms. Gaffke, the intention was to extensively refurbish it and convert it to a cabaret. The name was to be changed to reflect a different image, although none had been chosen.

One day, while working near a crawl space leading under the building, one of the owners noticed that adjacent floorboards also needed to be replaced. Under one of these he noticed a number of small boxes. In these boxes was…you guessed it…casino chips.

Four different denominations were found. All are identical except for their color. All say the same thing: "ORE HOUSE CASINO RENO NV." The new owners knew one thing immediately…they had found the name for their cabaret!

While their search for a name had ended, the search for information about the chips had just begun. After about 1 year of research, here's a recap of what we know and what we don't. The sign on the bar hasn't been changed as yet and still says "Sun Valley Bar." In talking to many "old-timers" in the area, there is no question that the property was known as the Ore House prior to 1970. We can't, however, document any live gaming. What possibilities exit? Were the chips used as drink chips? Some locals have said that there was an illegal or private poker game being run? Was there, as 1 older gentlemen told me, one single 21 table, in there for a short period of time? Lot's of questions, no added answers at this time.

Because uncertainties exist, anyone wanting to add these interesting chips to their collection must do so recognizing that there are still pieces of the puzzle that are unknown. If clearer documentation existed, price levels for these Ore House chips would certainly be higher.

These chips will be regularly priced at $75 each for the $2, $5 and $10 chips and $95 for the $1 chip. The set of 4 will be available for $275. In an attempt to recoup a sizeable investment, the sets will be specially priced at this time only at $195. Individual $2, $5, and $10 chips will initially be priced at $60 each. The $1 chip will be priced at $75. Several of the sets are in unused condition. Earliest purchasers will receive these.

Please e-mail me with questions or to reserve your chips or call toll-free: 1-888-CHIPS-97.