Neat chip Ed, and one I don't have. I only have that Shelby version in 5c, 10c and 1.00. I have perhaps four or five 2.50 chips from Montana, and another couple 12-1/2 centers, most likely indicating "snappers". You are correct in that blackjack was fairly standard, but certainly not as popular as other games in Montana in the old days. Also, it was much easier for the authorities to "look the other way" if a club was simply running a poker, pan or pinochle game.

Michael is correct in stating that the Shelby and Great Falls clubs are very different places. Shelby was an important railroad town "back in the day" and had many clubs over the years. Not much left there now.

Regarding these embossed type chips--they were quite popular in Montana in the 30's and 40's and I have dozens of examples. They must have held up well under constant use, especially being used "in trade" to "purchase" all those items!