These "EPC" hot stamp chips (various molds) were likely used at several card rooms/casinos owned (or co-owned) by California and Nevada casino entrepreneur Ernest (Ernie) Jay Primm (b. 1901 - d. 1981). They may have been used before more casino specific chips were ordered. In Gardena, California, Primm co-owned the "Embassy Palace" in the late 1930s, the "Monterey Club" in the 1940s, and the "Rainbow Club" in the 1950s and 1960s. In Reno, Nevada, he co-owned the "Palace Club" and the "Primadonna Club" in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a silent partner in other card rooms/casinos.
T. R. King order cards indicate that Large Crown chips with this hot stamp were used at the "Monterey Club" and possibly the "Fortune Club" in the 1940s (see Order Cards).
Photograph of Ernie Primm (Courtesy of Greg Primm). |