The chip mold known as "Hat & Cane" has been abbreviated as H&C for a long time. ChipGuide uses it (in fact, 8 different varieties of H&C) and other authors have used "H&C" since before 1985 (Herz) and also used by TCR, Campiglia and other books.

On the other hand, I see THC (=Top Hat and Cane) used regularly at Pokerchipper.com, Poker Chip Forum (PCF) and probably other places too.

Both abbreviations can be found on eBay.

So what's the etymology of H&C vs. THC? (...or does etymology only refer to words, not abbreviations?) Anyway, when did THC originate, where & why? Do you have a preference?

I couldn't find either abbreviation used by Angel / Gaming Partners International / Paulson currently on the internet. GPI is the only abbreviation I found used at the company level.

Just curious, as you can use whatever you prefer. Musing about it, that's all.