Catalog Archive
Auction 174, Lot 228

"Reno"

Subject: Reno, Nevada

Period: 1935 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
15.8 x 12.3 inches
40.1 x 31.2 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This witty pictorial map is an advertisement for Town House, a nightclub in Reno, Nevada, and its signature drink, the Town House Cocktail. Created in the 1930's, the Town House Cocktail was targeted at female patrons in search of a cool cocktail without the taste of liquor. The cocktail was a hit and for a short period was bottled and sold in select cities in the US. This map depicts Reno as a world of its own, centered on the Town House nightclub, "where smart people meet." The city streets are named and a number of other establishments are noted on the map, including the race track, coffee shops, the boxing club, several theaters, the hot springs, a post office, and jail. Endorsements for the cocktail fill the bottom right corner, describing the drink as "full of velvety power" and "the perfect blend." A clever roulette-shaped compass rose orients north to the left side of the map. Created by Robert Caples, one of the leading artists in Nevada in the twentieth century. The map is accompanied by the original printed envelope.

References:

Condition: A+

The condition grade is for the map, which is crisp, clean, bright, and issued folding. The envelope is toned and lightly soiled.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Sold for: $75

Closed on 9/11/2019

Archived