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Frank Sinatra
Original Vintage Cal Neva Lighter

 

These Rare genuine vintage "Frank Sinatra Cal Neva Lodge" lighters are an intriguing piece of history, not only for the historical background of the Cal Neva Lodge when owned by Mr Sinatra but also the very short time period of his ownership. They are Highly sought after by collectors!

This is one of the most desirable and collectible casino and Frank Sinatra related items of all.    Rare original "Frank Sinatra Cal Neva Casino" lighter..   Printed/engraved on lighter is "Frank SInatra's Cal Neva Lodge" . These are neat mini lighters about 1.5" x 2". 

Beautiful,  EXCELLENT  Condition with just the slightest handling wear on front and back that you'd expect from a 60+ year old lighter... .   Frank Sinatra was known to give these lighters to friends who visited him at the lodge...

* see enlargeable images above and below

Cal Neva Lodge History:
During the time this item was made, Frank Sinatra was at a very high point in his life and career and figured that it would be great to partner up with buddy Dean Martin and silent partner, Chicago mob boss, Sam "Momo" Giancana, and others to run his own casino, the Cal Neva Lodge. However, Nevada gaming commission regulations prohibited the attendance of any known criminals at any of its licensed gaming facilities. Since the FBI was watching the Cal Neva closely, they reported that mob boss Sam Giancana did visit the facility and his presence was acknowledged by Frank Sinatra. As a result, Frank Sinatra lost his gaming license for the Cal Neva. Years later, in the early 1980s, Frank would redeem himself before the Nevada gaming commission and win his license back after grueling testimony by himself, Kirk Douglas, the Los Angeles sheriff, and many others. It's interesting to note that in Frank Sinatra's testimony, he stated that he never saw Sam Giancana at the Cal Neva.

As you can see from above, this particular Cal Neva lighter from Frank Sinatra's ownership is highly collectible and desirable not because of any hype but because of its true value derived from (1) the richness of this true story; (2) the rarity of this item; (3) the condition and appearance of this item; AND (4) the fact that this was the only time in Frank Sinatra's life that he owned a casino outright, even though it was for only 2 years.