Large set needs identification (43 Viewers)

[MikeChip620]

I have a large set of clay chips, 2,000 in an old case with 2 racks. I have had them for 45 years and know nothing about them. Does anyone know where these may have come from?

 

[Tonysquander]

Paranoids.

Search for that term and also see this thread, around post 25

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/anyone-have-any-idea-what-these-might-be.88635/

and also:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/help-for-identify-an-old-roulette-wheelcheck-set.61887/

 

[WedgeRock]

 

[CardRally]

Ahh..that’s better

 

[CardRally]

Design names

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Chip box label

All from

 

[DrStrange]

As several have noted - these are "paranoid" branded chips. 1900 - 1950's, most likely 1920's ish.

For their time, these were top of the line (especially the custom monogramed ones). Original cost in today's dollars, a couple of dollars/chip. These were not grandpa's dice chips. They were grandpa's holy grail chips. Sadly, these are not much in demand today. Perhaps if you have provenance showing these were from a roaring twenties illegal card room - then you could be value and buyers.

Paranoids aren't rare. Vast numbers are out there, scattered to the winds of time. They aren't worth that much. Maybe $0.25 - $0.50 each. Old does not mean especially valuable.

It can be a fun adventure to piece together a playable set off of eBay, except the OP does not need to do that. Putting together a set as shown in the OP would not be easy.

The chip case is very nice. That's consistent with the original value of the chips.

I hope these have seen interesting times. Maybe there are family stories about how things were "back in the day". Someone spent a relative fortune on the chips and case. If only the chips could speak, what amazing tales they might have! -=- DrStrange

 

[Tonysquander]