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VINTAGE OLD ORIGINAL BOOKBINDER’S PHILADELPHIA SOUVENIR ASHTRAY / TRINKET TRAY
Offered is a wonderful vintage souvenir/advertising ashtray or small change/trinket tray commemorating the famous Old Original Bookbinder’s Restaurant at 125 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The front features a fantastic period illustration of the historic restaurant and surrounding buildings, complete with a horse-drawn carriage and passengers, street scene, decorative street lantern and the distinctive:
“Old Original BOOKBINDER’S”
“125 WALNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA”
The reverse is marked:
MADE IN JAPAN
The combination of the historic Philadelphia subject, vintage illustration and Japanese manufacture makes this an appealing piece for collectors of Philadelphia history, restaurant memorabilia, vintage advertising, ashtrays, Americana and mid-century souvenirs.
DETAILS
* Vintage Old Original Bookbinder’s Restaurant souvenir
* Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Address shown: 125 Walnut St., Philadelphia
* Marked Made in Japan on reverse
* Ceramic/porcelain-type construction
* White body with black, red/orange and gold decoration
* Historic horse-and-carriage street scene
* Decorative gold-colored edge
* Suitable as an ashtray, change tray, jewelry/trinket dish or display piece
* Great vintage Philadelphia restaurant memorabilia
HISTORICAL INTEREST
Old Original Bookbinder’s was a well-known Philadelphia seafood restaurant located at 125 Walnut Street. The restaurant was established in 1893 and became particularly famous for seafood, lobster and its signature Bookbinder’s soup. It ultimately closed in 2009.
The historic 125 Walnut Street location and Bookbinder’s building are well documented in Philadelphia architectural and historical records.
CONDITION
Pre-owned vintage condition.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as the photographs are an important part of the description. The piece shows typical signs of age and use, including light surface wear and some wear to the decorative finish/gold edging. There may also be minor age-related discoloration.
I do not see any major cracks or large chips in the photographs, but please use the photographs to judge the exact condition for yourself.
The “MADE IN JAPAN” mark is clearly visible on the reverse.
A great little piece of Philadelphia restaurant history that would make an excellent addition to a vintage advertising, restaurant memorabilia or Pennsylvania collection.
Please see all photos for the best representation of condition and details.
item specifics I’d use
* Type: Ashtray / Change Tray
* Brand: Old Original Bookbinder’s
* Restaurant: Bookbinder’s
* Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Country of Origin: Japan
* Material: Ceramic / Porcelain
* Color: White, Black, Red/Orange, Gold
* Theme: Restaurant / Philadelphia / Advertising
* Original/Reproduction: Original
* Time Period Manufactured: Mid-Century / Vintage
* Modified Item: No
