Vintage Iconic Stork Club New York City Nightclub Ashtray Rare Stamped 55-12 for Sale

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Vintage Iconic Stork Club New York City Nightclub Ashtray Rare Stamped 55-12 For Sale

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Vintage Iconic Stork Club New York City Nightclub Ashtray Rare Stamped 55-12:
$148.00

This vintage ashtray is a true piece of history, representing the iconic Stork Club in New York City; in pristine vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks; stamped on the bottom with the number 55-12 for added rarity. This club ashtray is perfect for collectors of tobacciana memorabilia or anyone who appreciates the history of nightlife in NYC. Handmade with care, this ashtray is a must-have for any vintage enthusiast. Dimensions: 5\" in diameter ad 1.5\" high.
Ships for $10 here in the USA and at varying shipping rates to international destinations, courtesy of the Global Shipping Program. Returns accepted up to 14 days after buyer receives shipment, provided the ash tray is returned in the same condition as it shipped (buyer pays return shipping costs).From Wikipedia:
The Stork Clubwas anightclubinManhattan,New York City. During its existence from 1929 to 1965, it became one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. A symbol ofcafé society, the wealthy elite, including movie stars, celebrities,showgirls, andaristocratsall mixed in the VIP Cub Room. The club was established on West 58th Street in 1929 bySherman Billingsley, a former bootlegger fromEnid, Oklahoma. After an incident when Billingsley was kidnapped and held for ransom byMad Dog Coll, a rival of his mobster partners, he became the sole owner of the Stork Club. It remained at its original location until it was raided byProhibitionagents in 1931 after which it moved to East 51st Street. From 1934 until its closure in 1965, it was located at 3 East53rd Street, just east ofFifth Avenue, when it became world-renowned with its celebrity clientele and luxury. Billingsley was known for his lavish gifts, which brought a steady stream of celebrities to the club and also ensured that those interested in the famous would have a reason to visit.

Until World War II, the club consisted of a dining room and bar with restrooms on upper floors with many mirrors and fresh flowers throughout. Billingsley originally built the well-known Cub Room as a private place where he could play cards with friends. Described as a \"lopsided oval\", the room had wood paneled walls hung with portraits of beautiful women and had no windows. A head waiter known as \"Saint Peter\" determined who was allowed entry to the Cub Room, whereWalter Winchellwrote his columns and broadcast his radio programs from Table 50.

During the years of its operation, the club was visited by many political, social, and celebrity figures. It counted among its guests the Kennedy and Roosevelt families, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The news of Grace Kelly\'s engagement toPrince RainierofMonacobroke while the couple were visiting the Stork Club. Socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, owner of theHope Diamond, once lost the gem under a Stork Club table during an evening visit to the club.Ernest Hemingwaywas able to cash his $100,000 check for the film rights ofFor Whom the Bell Tollsat the Stork Club to settle his bill.

In the 1940s, workers of the Stork Club desired to be represented by a union, and by 1957, the employees of all similar New York venues were union members. However, Billingsley was still unwilling to allow his workers to organize, which led to union supporters picketing in front of the club for many years until its closure. During this time, many of the club\'s celebrity and non-celebrity guests stopped visiting the Stork Club; it closed in 1965 and was demolished the following year. The site is now the location ofPaley Park, a smallvest-pocket park.