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Vintage ceramic advertising ashtray from the Thunderbird Motel, located at South Shore Drive and 75th Street in Chicago, Illinois.
Features the motel’s original Thunderbird logo and advertising slogan, “America’s Finest In-Town Motel,” along with its location on Chicago’s Scenic Lake Route U.S. 41.
Historical research indicates the Thunderbird Motel opened around 1959. Because this ashtray features the motel’s original branding, slogan, and location information, it is believed to date from the motel’s opening era, circa 1959 to the early 1960s.
Unlike many later Thunderbird motel ashtrays found in glass, this example is ceramic and appears to be an early promotional piece associated with the motel’s opening years.
A scarce piece of Chicago motel memorabilia, roadside Americana, and mid-century advertising history.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.Graphics remain clear and display well. Unmarked on the reverse.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description and show the exact condition of the item.
