Frank Sinatra
Original Vintage UNUSED Cal Neva Casino Match Book
Over the past 25 years we have owned the Frank Sinatra Cal Neva Lighters, Ashtray , even the Cuff Links, but never have we had an original matchbook from the Sinatra-Cal Neva Casino era. And this is the first we have seen. For whatever reason the Frank Sinatra - Cal Neva matchbook is very rare and difficult to find. Here is a fantastic specimen. , Unused and in great condition. With all the contact information including phone number on it. Great piece of Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack History!
You've heard the story before but in case you want to read more about the Frank Sinatra - Cal Neva Lodge connection, see below.
Cal Neva - Frank Sinatra History
During the time this
item was made, Frank Sinatra was at a very high point in his life and
career and figured that it would be great to partner up with buddy Dean
Martin and silent partner, Chicago mob boss, Sam "Momo" Giancana, and
others to run his own casino, the Cal Neva Lodge. However, Nevada gaming
commission regulations prohibited the attendance of any known criminals
at any of its licensed gaming facilities. Since the FBI was watching
the Cal Neva closely, they reported that mob boss Sam Giancana did visit
the facility and his presence was acknowledged by Frank Sinatra. As a
result, Frank Sinatra lost his gaming license for the Cal Neva. Years
later, in the early 1980s, Frank would redeem himself before the Nevada
gaming commission and win his license back after grueling testimony by
himself, Kirk Douglas, the Los Angeles sheriff, and many others. It's
interesting to note that in Frank Sinatra's testimony, he stated that he
never saw Sam Giancana at the Cal Neva.
As
you can see from above, this particular Cal Neva lighter from Frank
Sinatra's ownership is highly collectible and desirable not because of
any hype but because of its true value derived from (1) the richness of
this true story; (2) the rarity of this item; (3) the condition and
appearance of this item; AND (4) the fact that this was the only time in
Frank Sinatra's life that he owned a casino outright, even though it
was for only 2 years.