VINTAGE 1950s TEXAS GRAND PRIZE BEER ASHTRAY VTG For Sale

This is a vintage 1950s ceramic advertising ashtray for Grand Prize Pale Dry Beer, a historic beverage once produced by the Gulf Brewing Company in Houston, Texas.* The Brewery: The Gulf Brewing Company was founded in 1933 right after the end of Prohibition by the legendary tycoon Howard Hughes. It operated on the grounds of his business enterprise, the Hughes Tool Company.* The Recipe: Hughes hired celebrated Belgian-born brewmaster Frantz H. Brogniez. Brogniez had previously won the prestigious Grand Prix (Grand Prize) at the 1913 International Conference of Breweries in Belgium, besting over 4,000 competitors. The new post-Prohibition beer was named \"Grand Prize\" to honor that achievement.* Success: By 1936, Grand Prize became the best-selling beer in Texas.* The \"Pale Dry\" Era: This specific ashtray dates to the 1950s. The \"Pale Dry\" variation of Grand Prize Beer was introduced in late 1949 by Charles Leiberman, who served as the brewery\'s vice president and brewmaster.* The End of an Era: The brewery operated until 1963 when it was leased to the Theodore Hamm Brewing Company, and the historic brand eventually faded away. However, in early 2024, Houston\'s Saint Arnold Brewing Company officially revived the Grand Prize Lager brand to honor its local legacy.This is a great addition to any collector of vintage Texas brewery memorabilia.