Several years ago, oh maybe 5 or 6 by now, I noticed an unusual activity of El Condor listings on eBay and appearance of chips at chip shows. It seemed there was well over one rack's worth of chips suddenly appearing. At that time, a well-known collector approached me and asked if I would be willing to sell a few on consignment. I was sworn to secrecy (hence all this general talk) and not to tell anyone from where I had gotten the chips., or divulge any information about them. I was a bit suspicious that the El Condor flying-bird series was something manufactured for profit (like Bill Borland issues) but I agreed. I was handed a small stack of high-denomination chips and some lower-value chips, $5 I think. I told the collector that I really wasn't known as a seller of high-end merchandise but he seemed not to be concerned.

Listed the chips on eBay and I sold them after some weeks. As would be expected the first couple went for relatively high prices and then the prices began to drop. Thus always with "scarce" chips once their "hoard" status is suspected. In any event, the collector seemed happy with his share of the commission, and my buyers never complained.

Here's the big problem, Emilio. There is so much darn secrecy about this hobby. Many fascinating stories but less factual basis to back them up. How many card rooms burned down and why? (Didn't insurance companies require fire suppression in a public business?)

I worry that if stories were written about casinos and chips - the author might risk a lawsuit if the tale told wasn't quite what happened.

Be all this as it may, I appreciate your revelation about the El Condor club and the AH initials. Keep 'em flyin'.