The info Gene has passed along on this chip:

Your thunderbird chip was delivered to
John Wilson
Villa Hotel
McClure, IL
1955

McClure is just a few miles up the Missouri River from East Cape Girardeau, IL. where I gather this particular T-Bird operated. Acquired this as an Illinois chip at last year's convention from one of our fine vendors. I enjoy the debate and speculation over the '48 small-key $5 Thunderbird and like posting this chip just to stir the pot and solicit more information on the whole issue.