Fraternal Order of Elks/Henry Weinhard/The Lotus Triple-Commercial-Tie-In Beer Flask/Nip Bottle A2370

Very little in American marketing is new, given how much of it Americans have invented or amplified, and this delightful little flask commemorating Portland's The Lotus Buffet and Billiard Parlour and Henry Weinhard brewery's Rheingold Beer while reinforcing fraternal ties to the Elks, is a perfect trifecta.

"The Lotus 127 6th Street, M Nelson proprietor" led us to this terrific article by author and historian Jack Sullivan on the subject of bar proprietors in Portland:

"Meanwhile, at 127 Sixth Street, another liquor purveyor named Morris Nelson was running The Lotus Buffet and Billiard Parlor, a step up from the usual Portland saloon as indicated by its exterior and internal bar, both shown here. Nelson became known for his giveaway items, that included ceramic “nip” bottles in the shape of an elk’s tooth that celebrating the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks fraternity.  He also offered carnival glass pin trays, as well as less costly items like matches and bar tokens."

Nip bottle measures 4 1/2" x 3" x1 1/2".