Railroad Memories Auction #106
Railroad Memories Auction #106
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Lot 83

Price Realized:  $1,400
CHICAGO & NORTH WESTERN - UNION PACIFIC ASHTRAY
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Lot: 83  Description: CHICAGO & NORTH WESTERN - UNION PACIFIC - embossed on the base of this heavy cast iron ashtray that was used in the famous Little Nugget Car, built in 1937 and used on the Streamliner, City of Los Angeles train. This notable car was designed to cater to the elite first-class passenger especially appealing to famous Hollywood patrons like George Burns, Gracie Allen and Cecil B DeMille who were apparent regulars on board. The interior of the car was designed by American Artist Walt Kuhn "The Little Nugget's" principal claim to fame was its fanciful interior, created as a publicity draw for the "Hollywood Crowd", the main club room was decked out to resemble an Old West dance hall saloon; complete with Victorian-style furnishings, velvet and lace draperies, and gilded plaster Cherubs. The highlight of the car was a collection of 125 vintage photographs and Kuhn paintings, all depicting Vaudeville comedians, clowns, dancers and other footlight favorites. The car is currently on display at the Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles and undergoing restoration. One of the few examples remaining of this bygone era. Measures 7 1/2" diameter and stand approximately 6" high. It is hard to say how many of these have survived as this is only the 2nd one I have handled in over 30 years. I can't imagine that they would have made a large amount so no question to its rarity. Condition is very good with the exception of a couple of dark spots where the baked enamel chipped. Added Note: I was told that Don Snoddy curator of the UP Museum at one time found out that only 13 of these were made. When the car was refurbished years later only 5 were used because of the chipped condition. Chips apparently were made by passengers cleaning their pipes by banging them on the ashtray. These were bolted to the table tops because of their weight.
Minimum bid: $500
Price Realized:  $1,400

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