Historic Seelbach Hotel Servers

This lot is for 4 pieces of the old Historic Seelbach Hotel Service Ware. Celery/Pickle Server measures 9-inches long X 4-inches wide, the Relish/Small Vegetable Dish measures 7-inches long X 3.5-inches wide, both are emblazoned with the original Seelbach Hotel Logo. The Pickle Forks measure 6-inches long, made by Meriden Brita Company are silver-plated hotel ware both are marked "The Seelbach" on the reverse handle. The longer server has a few wear chips on bottom of base and the forks tongs are slightly bent. All in all very good condition consistent with age and use. Reserve/Starting Bid is $20. "The Seelbach Hilton is equal parts historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. It began as the dream of two Bavarian brothers — Otto and Louis Seelbach — in 1869 when Louis came to Louisville to learn the hotel business. In 1903, after several years of running restaurants and gentleman's clubs, the brothers began construction of a new hotel at the corner of 4th and Walnut Street (now Muhammad Ali), creating a lavish, turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Baroque hotel. Sparing no expense, they imported marbles from all over the world, bronzes from France, hardwoods from the West Indies and Europe, linens from Ireland, and valuable Turkish and Persian Rugs. Billed as "the only fireproof hotel in the city," the new Seelbach opened in May of 1905 by offering a 5-hour public inspection and drawing an incredible 25,000 visitors. The hotel was so popular, the Seelbach brothers began a 154-room addition in the fall of that same year. In 1907, the expansion was completed and included the famous Bavarian-style Rathskeller, decorated with rare Rookwood Pottery. Today the Rathskeller remains the only surviving ensemble of its kind." *According to "The Seelbach Hotel, A History of Louisville Tradition" by J. Theriot. This has a starting bid/reserve of $20.00