The M-C chip showed up awhile back and was attributed to the Merchants Club, Newport, KY by some. It also comes in several colors of Slant S mold with denominations. I have the 10¢, 25¢, and 50¢ Slant S. I was a doubting Thomas on this attributation. Being from Newport, I thought I knew most of the Merchants chips.

Martin Miller, his brother Joe Berman, and Red Masterson operated the Merchants with the Cleveland Syndicate as partners. Martin was a personnel friend of mine from 1961 until his death. I have played poker with Joe and Red on many occasions. Martin gave me my 1st "bag" of chips in the early 60's. He said 'Hang on to these, they will be worth something someday."

So much for being a doubting Thomas! Mason file cards say this chip was delivered to Red Masterson once in 1937 and again in 1938 at the Merchants Club address in Newport. The card also states the M-C design was transferred to Harry Kasser at the Dover Hotel in Detroit Mi. We now have a new Merchants chip and an ID on a new Detroit illegal. History!! This is what it is all about.

BTW, Red is the man that burned Beverly Hills the 1st time, killing a young girl.
The second time it burned in the 70's there was 170 people killed. I watched it burn the 2nd time. The man that owned Beverly Hills the 2nd time it burned (not a casino at this time) is also a friend. He is about to open a new riverboat in Tunica. The history of Newport may never end.