Hotel Astor souvenir pin tray, L. Strauss & Sons

New York circa 1920, 4 1/2 by 6 inches, fine condition. We were initially a bit hesitant about this listing-- after all, here is Bruce Cherner Antique silver not a hand painted china emporium. What ultimately won me over was how this image evoked a very personal memory of seeing Bobby Short at the Café Carlyle, which unlike its cousin the Astor still thankfully exists. Those of you who'd like more information on the grand Hotel may consult the excellent posting at University of Virginia's art museum (please email for direct URL). One final note: both John Jacob Astor and Isidor Straus, along with their respective spouses, were on board when That Mighty Ship went down...