A Piece of Chicago’s "Golden Age": The Maxim’s de Paris Ashtray
In the world of vintage collecting, there are items that are beautiful, and then there are items that carry an entire era with them. This 4 1/2" square porcelain ashtray is definitely the latter.
A Little Taste of Paris in the Gold Coast
If you lived in Chicago in the 1960s or 70s, Maxim’s de Paris wasn't just a restaurant—it was the destination. Tucked away in the basement of the iconic, Bertrand Goldberg-designed Astor Tower, Maxim’s was a lush, red-velvet-lined replica of the original Art Nouveau institution in Paris.
It was opened in 1963 by Nancy Goldberg (the architect’s wife and a legendary socialite in her own right), and it quickly became the city’s first 5-star restaurant.
The "Chasseur" and the Celebrities
This ashtray features the iconic Maxim’s "Chasseur"—the bellhop in the bright red uniform who became the face of the brand. When you look at this piece, you aren't just looking at a souvenir; you’re looking at something that likely sat on a table while the likes of Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, or The Beatles dined nearby. (In fact, the Beatles held their famous 1966 "we're more popular than Jesus" apology press conference right there in the building!)
Why It’s a Collector’s Gem
While you can find Maxim's memorabilia from the Paris location, pieces specifically branded "Chicago" are much harder to come by.
The Design: High-gloss white porcelain with a Mid-Century square profile.
The History: It represents a time when the Gold Coast was the center of the culinary world.
The Condition: This estate find has been remarkably preserved, with the red and yellow graphics still as vivid as they were fifty years ago.
This piece is currently available in our eBay shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment