Howard Hughes' Coasters Set

These penthouse casino set of coasters once belonged to the philanthropist Howard Hughes who was most known for his building of the spruce goose and many other accomplishments.

Origin
Hughes was one of the most influential aviators in history: he set multiple world air speed records, built the Hughes H-1 Racer and H-4 "Hercules" (better known to history as the "Spruce Goose" aircraft), and acquired and expanded Trans World Airlines, which later merged with American Airlines. Hughes is also remembered for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle in later life, caused in part by a worsening obsessive–compulsive disorder and chronic pain.

The wealthy and aging Howard Hughes, accompanied by his entourage of personal aides, began moving from one hotel to another, always taking up residence in the top floor penthouse. During the last ten years of his life, from 1966 to 1976, Hughes lived in hotels in Beverly Hills, Boston, Las Vegas, Nassau, Freeport, Vancouver, London, Managua, Acapulco, and others.

On November 24, 1966 (Thanksgiving Day), Hughes arrived in Las Vegas by railroad car and moved into the Desert Inn. Because he refused to leave the hotel, and to avoid further conflicts with the owners, Hughes bought the Desert Inn in early 1967. The hotel's eighth floor became the nerve center of his empire and the ninth-floor penthouse became Hughes' personal residence. These coasters that he used very often, became imbued with his OCD tendencies, giving it the power to absorb toxins.

Effects
The coasters from the set have the ability to absorb toxins through any type of medium, most preferably drinks. The coasters that have absorbed the toxins do not destroy the toxins but store them until something (or someone) touches the cork part of the coaster.

To relieve the toxins from the coaster, the coaster must be placed in the set, where it will transfer the toxins into a black crusty nugget of toxins which can by thrown away by taking it out of the drawer on the set.

Collection
This artifact was collected by Arthur Nielson on June 2nd 1985.