Cal Neva Lighter And Ashtray Set
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:1387885 |
These rare genuine vintage "Frank Sinatra Cal Neva Lodge" memorabilia are an intriguing piece of history, not only for the historical background of the Cal Neva Lodge when owned by Mr. Frank Sinatra but also for the very short time period of his ownership. They are highly sought after by collectors. The set originally included a pair of cufflinks, gifted by Skinny D'Amato, but the cufflinks were subsequently given to Pete Hamill as a gift when... he wrote his acclaimed book "Why Sinatra Matters". Some of the most desirable and collectible coillectibles of the Frank Sinatra legacy, these rare and original pieces are few and far between. Frank Sinatra Cal Neva Casino lighter is printed/engraved with Cal Neva Lodge, as is the rare and unique ashtray. The lighter is about 1.5" x 1.75" x .25"". The ashtray is 4" across and 3" at it widest point. Beautiful, unique pieces in excellent condition with just the slightest handling wear somewhat inevitable on a piece of this age.Frank Sinatra was known to give these lighters to friends who visited him at the lodge, and the ashtrays are particularly rare.
The History of Sinatra's Cal Neva Lodge: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.
The History of Sinatra's Cal Neva Lodge: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.
