A few days ago I could not attribute a SMALL CROWN red gambling chip that had SHAMROCK HOTEL hot stamped into the surface on both sides.. I looked for hours trying to find where this chip was used. I knew there were many dedicated casino and chip historians that visit this board often. I posted a picture of the chip with a rumor that it was from Canada but I did not have any conformation. Several people posted their observations. Jeff Bass posted “T. R. King shipped that Shamrock Hotel small crown chip to C. Baxter, at the St. Regis Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1952.“. Jeff linked the order card to The Chip Guide and at this point it was a done deal and the chip was from Canada.
Next, I get an e-mail from Ed Hertel informing me it has a Las Vegas connection. Ed sent me a scan from the Canadian news paper the ALBERTAN from 1958 telling about the murder of Clyde Baxter.

In that article, Clyde's ex-wife told the ALBERTAN

He was one of the biggest BOOK MAKERS in Canada and the United States. “He was nothing but a BOOK MAKER all his life” Some years ago he bought the SHAMROCK HOTEL in Las Vegas which he still owned today.

The chips were sent to C. Baxter the owner of the Las Vegas SHAMROCK HOTEL. This information makes a solid tie to the Las Vegas location.

I enjoy the wealth of knowledge hidden within the long fingers of the Chip Board. We can not always find positive information but it is fun when WE can. Thanks to all chip historians. Having fun because of the chip-collecting family, Steve.

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