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NOTE: I always email the winning bidder 1-3 days after the close of auction unless stated otherwise in my description; so, if you have not received a winning notification email/invoice thru eBay or by me personally then you might have your spam filter turned on. Also, it has come to my attention by bidders that occasionally the ending time shown when you search by Categories may differ by several hours versus the ending time shown in the actual listing. I don't know if they just aren't refreshing the page or what...but always double check the ending time in the auction listing and go by that time so you don't miss out.

This is a wonderful group of memorabilia for Gunther's Confections in Kansas City, Missouri. Included in this auction are a menu, 2 duplicate grand opening announcements and a photograph of the shop. I should say that the photograph was with the paper items but doesn't have a name identifying it as Gunthers so I'm making that assumption but it might not be correct as the address shown is different from the paperwork. Included as well are a cellophane sheath and a cardboard envelope.

Let's start with the fancy paper menu. It measures approx. 7-1/3" high x 4-1/2" wide. It is tied at the top with a light blue ribbon. You pull up the first pierced cover piece and underneath are 3 paper pages. The first is blue and is printed on both sides, it reads, Luncheon and provides a list of items available. The next page is cream color and lists the Special Today (it is dated Tuesday, July 19, 1898). The third page is also light blue and is printed on both sides with bakery goods, ice creams and a soda list. Then t is a back paper pierced piece. This item is In very nice condition for its age with no rips or tears but t are a couple of small stains on the front, and one one of the inside pages. Otherwise, just some yellowing with age and light smudges.

The two duplicate grand opening announcements measure approx. 7-1/8" high x 5-1/3" high, and open like a book. They have ragged edges (done on purpose). The front reads, "Gunther's Confections, 1124 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Mo. - Tel. 982 Grand. The inside is printed with, "Gunther, The Celebrated Chicago Confectioner, desires to announce to the Kansas City public that t has been opened a store for the sale of his Famous Candies at 1124 Walnut Street, w will be found the finest line of High Class Confections. In connection with this will be served the most dainty and delicate light Luncheons, and from the 20th Century Sanitary Soda Fountain will be dispensed delicious Summer and Winter drinks. You are personally invited to visit this store." The backside is printed with "Not 'How Cheap' but How Good". Nice conditions with no rips or tears but t is some dirtiness/smudges from handling, and these announcements were folded in half at one time.

I believe the menu and announcement were probably sent in the cellophane sheath which has now darkened quite a bit from age and has some tears, wear and stains. Everything was then enclosed in the cardboard envelope which has also darkened with age, has rips and a tear up one fold, and is dirty/stained as well.

Now for the photograph -- as mentioned I'm assuming it is for Gunthers as it is for a Cafe & Confectioners, and you can just make out Cream Soda on the awning. However, the address is shown as 194 so maybe it is for the original in Chicago but I'm not sure. The photo is black & white matte finish and glued to the cardboard backing. Very legibile but a tad underexposed. The backing does have some stains, corner creases and wear. The photo is in nice condition. The entire piece measures 10" long x almost 8" high.

Sorry for the "mini-novel" description -- just wanted to give you as much info as possible. A really neat piece of historical shop memorabilis for Kansas City, MO, or for the ephemera collector. Please email any questions before bidding, and thanks for looking at my auction!

U.S. WINNING BIDDER: Winning bidder to pay for U.S. Priority Mail plus optional insurance. I have p...

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