The recent discussion about the possible Moulin Rouge roulette chip reminded me of another strange thing about the Moulin Rouge chips. According to the ChipGuide,the Chip Rack, and what I have read elsewhere, the Rouge opened in 1955 and closed in 1959. It later re-opened in the 1993, with very limited hours, mainly to keep its gaming license.

According to the Burt/B. C. Wills order cards, the initial Rouge chips were first ordered in 1955, which makes perfect sense.

But an additional 1000 $100 black rectangle mold chips were ordered in 1966, again another 1000 ordered in 1967, more than seven years after the casino had closed. See the Burt/Langworthy cards below.

I suppose it is possible that the owners had plans to re-open the Rouge in the late 1960s and ordered the chips in anticipation. But if that is so, why only $100 chips, and why two orders a year apart? Also, lower denomination chips would seem to be more important. Does anyone know anything about this? Were these possibly early fantasy or commemorative chips? If so, should that be reflected in the ChipGuide?