Antique Arcade, Vending, And Gambling Machines To Come To Auction

Morphy’s Vegas Coin-Op And Advertising Sale Will Be May 14 And 15

April 28, 2016

Morphy Auctions is pleased to announce its two-day Las Vegas Coin-Op and Advertising sales event to be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, starting at 9 a.m. PST both days. All lots from this auction are on display in Morphy's Las Vegas auction gallery and available for preview now.
It's all fun and games when it comes to this auction's incredible selection of antique arcade machines. Lot #1044, an Automatic Target Machine Company "Autarm" pistol arcade game, is no longshot to meet its $100,000-$200,000 estimate. There are only three known examples of this arcade machine, manufactured in 1900 by Splitdorf Laboratory. And many collectors will be aiming for Lot #262, a two player Mermaid Gun Game in excellent condition. This machine, estimated at $150,000-$250,000, returns the coin to the first player who knocks down all of his opponent's riflemen. It's no fish tale to say that this example is one of only a handful in existence.
Collectors will also want to drop a dime on this sale's amazing offering of antique gambling machines. Both larger upright and smaller countertop examples are on offer.
Two upright models truly hit the ground running. The first is Lot #235, 5-cent Caille Twin Centaur upright double slot machine, in excellent condition. This rarity from 1908 will no doubt turn a few heads with its $90,000-$120,000 estimate. It features a superb quarter sawn oak case with Watts nickel castings, as well as its original back doors, cash boxes, and Yale locks.
The second is Lot #118, a 5-cent Caille Big Six upright floor wheel slot machine, which stands by its $15,000-$20,000 estimate. This big beauty, which offers the possibility of a five coin return on a one coin investment, retains its original finish and operator's decal.
Now it's time to pull up a chair and check out this sale's fabulous range of countertop gaming machines. Lot #2, a 5-cent Caille Tourist cast iron slot machine is the reel deal and is estimated at $25,000-$45,000. This first-class example is in remarkable, untouched, all-original finish condition. Lot #10, a 5-cent Mills Liberty Bell slot machine, should ring loud and clear with collectors. This example from 1907 has the seldom seen Hassman coin head, as well as all original castings, card symbols on the reels, and marquee paper. It is estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Lot #900, a 5¢ Fey duo counter two wheel machine from 1927, is worth a double-take. It features the Fey logo and Indian insignia on its lower front casting and is estimated at $15,000-$25,000. Lot #802, an extremely rare 1910 Mills Little Scarab counter roulette machine decorated with jitterbugging insects, grooves to a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. And the eagle soars with Lot #805, a 1911 5¢ Fey Big Six payout machine, estimated at $35,000-$65,000. This example, in all original finish, is the only Charles Fey Big Six with a side vendor known to exist.
Enthusiasts in the market to add fantastic vintage vending machines to their collections need look no farther than this highly anticipated sale. With almost 50 examples available - including those that dole out food, beverages, chewing gum, and even postcards, among other items - there is truly something for every customer. Lot #466, an 1893 zinc Bamboola European chocolate cigar vending machine, is twice the temptation with its $20,000-$30,000 estimate. This remarkable example is in original, unrestored condition and retains its great original patina.
Morphy's May Premier Coin-Op and Advertising Sale will also share a bit of "lady luck" with the local Las Vegas nonprofit community. All proceeds raised from the sale of four working, collectible pinball machines will go directly to the Las Vegas based Pinball Hall of Fame and the various charities - including the Salvation Army - it supports. The machines on offer include fine examples of Pennant Fever, Twilight Zone, Joker Poker, and Travel Time. The Pinball Hall of Fame features 1,000 working pinball machines and is a family-friendly, hands-on museum dedicated to celebrating the fun, history, and nostalgia associated with this popular arcade game. Morphy's is proud to partner with the Pinball Hall of Fame on this project.
"Our coin-op team went above and beyond to secure a major all-time collection of gambling and penny arcade machines. Collectors unquestionably will find some of the rarest machines ever offered at auction at this upcoming sale. It would be worth a trip from anywhere to Las Vegas to see these spectacular examples - and this live event - in person. Our January 2016 Las Vegas coin-op sale was certainly one of the most exciting in memory, but this one has all the makings for the record books as well,” said Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions.
Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas is located at 4520 Arville Street, Las Vegas, Nev.
To learn more, call 702-382-2466 or visit www.MorphyAuctions.com.

 

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