Westen Charles found the SC chips. The research has turned up what I believe is a good ID, The Standard Club, Atlanta, GA. As you will see, there is some room for error since The Standard Club is not talking.

Private Clubs are sometimes very secretive when it comes to outsiders asking questions. They have no problem closing ranks.

I got the Pacific Club, Honolulu Hi, Scrowns back in the early 1990's while working at the Four Queens. A retired school teacher of Japanese descent, born and raised in Hawaii and a guest and poker player had become good friends with my wife and I. We went on several cruises with her and her husband. I asked her to stop by the Pacific Club and ask about the chips. The gentleman informed her he knew nothing about them and the club did have different chips now. AND: BTW the Club was for white people only. Kinda ended the story.

Enough of that:

Enter our "Friend Of The Hobby."

Taylor Company Order card.

Harold Montag was chairman of the board of Montag Bros., Inc. when the chips were ordered. Montag’s was a paper manufacturing and stationery company. Montag’s made a lot of school supplies products.

ad from 1958:

ad from 1961:

I’ve seen poker chips being ordered through stationery companies before, usually because those companies sold playing cards.

What makes me wonder about this order is that it is addressed to Harold Montag, the board chairman, rather than just Montag Bros., Inc.

This seems to suggest that maybe Harold is ordering the chips for himself and not for a customer (pretty small order). The Montag’s were Jewish. One of the oldest and most prominent Jewish clubs in Atlanta is the Standard Club. Harold Montag was a long time member of the Standard Club.

Could he have ordered the chips for the Standard Club = SC ????? Harold’s only child, a daughter, was married at the Standard Club in 1944. Her husband, who worked for Montag Bros., was a president and member of the board of directors of the Standard Club (Harold may have been as well).

pic of Harold Montag from 1954:

The Standard Club moved out of downtown Atlanta to a 165 acre site on the outskirts of town in 1949; a few pics from 1950:

My note: The move was 7 years before the chip order.

In the 1980’s they moved to their current site: http://www.standardclub.org/ There’s contact info at the website, perhaps some old members might remember.

My notes:

Founded in 1867, The Standard Club is one of the most prestigious and historic private clubs in Georgia. This secluded and gracious retreat can accommodate all of your social and business entertainment needs. The Standard Club is a perfect venue for your corporate or charity function, including golf outings. The Tennis facility offers twelve outside hard and clay courts as well as four inside hard courts. Beautifully decorated dining rooms, including formal and casual settings, overlook an award-winning golf course. An intimate private dining area and an elegant banquet ballroom are available. Our staff will be delighted to assist you in creating unique and memorable social or corporate events.

Looks like a beautiful place. I emailed two people from the website and left 2 phone messages. No return calls or emails.

My number 1 question would have been: How were the chips used?

Not many of the T molds were made, but there could have been reorders not on the Taylor card. We are aware of other T mold finds bigger than what is on the card. No way to tell how many flower mold chips were made. I have talked to the owner of George and company ( distributor of flower mold) several times over the years. He is now retired in Florida, He flat refused to sell the records citing customer privacy. The store was in Buffalo. NY and may still be there. At one time a worker in the store was helping me with ID's. Once he left, the ID's were done with.

Did the Standard Club operate gambling in Club events or even poker with a rake for members? That would make the chips illegal.

Were the chips only used for members private poker, gin, or other games with no rake? That would make the chips private use and would not be illegal chips.

I guess we will never know unless one of you southern boys stop by the club and ask. My guess is it would help if you were of Jewish descent.