My Coin Op Collection

Stone193 · February 19, 2015 8:56AM

Hi everyone

I decided to have one thread for the collection of coin ops of different types.

I've posted on them before - just want one place to keep track and show you all what I've picked up over the years - I just picked up a gem at Huggins.

In my era, coin ops were such an integral part of the fabric of a kid's life. Gums balls, cards, fortune tellers, pin ball machines...trips to the Arcade in Coney Island and Rockaway Beach were pure joy and excitement.

Hope you like these as a "grouping" - I will use this "one" thread to update as I go along.

OK - here's my latest pickup!

To say I'm excited about this one? Understatement.

1930s "Junior League Bat-a-Ball" Coin-Operated Arcade Game

This machine is 5 ft tall and 2 ft wide and will display really nicely.

Munves Mfg. Co. - Chicago.

I'm looking forward to this getting to the house in one piece. I'm going to do some research on the game and look forward to posting anything I find.

This item is a gift to me for selling the practice and no longer having to be a boss!!!!

Thanx for viewing and supporting me over the years.

DanBessette · February 19, 2015 9:04AM

What a great thread! My favorite is the Exhibits vendor. The new one is cool too and your enthusiasm is really great to see. Thanks for sharing. And congrats on selling the practice!

CW · February 19, 2015 9:23AM

That collection is fun to observe just through the pictures, I could only imagine how cool all that stuff is in person! Great stuff, Mike, and congrats! I'm assuming this is retirement as well? If so, MAJOR congrats!

dytch2220 · February 19, 2015 9:51AM

Sweet collection, thanks for sharing!

BLUEJAYWAY · February 19, 2015 10:54AM

Fantastic grouping of sports artifacts. Have you ever considered a local mini museum? I've always liked the 5 cent baseball pinball machines. I recall some BB pinball machines dispensed BB cards.

Piggs · February 19, 2015 11:05AM

Cool and colorful Mike. Thanks for all you do for the forum with your outstanding collection.

detroitfan2 · February 19, 2015 11:09AM

Mike, I think it's time for a CU party at your place. How are you getting the latest addition home? Are you able to pick it up?

Dboneesq · February 19, 2015 11:37AM

Very nice Mike. I meant to send you a PM the beginning of the week to see if you were aware of all the coin ops H&S had in their auction this week. I guess you knew!!!! CONGRATS!

grote15 · February 19, 2015 11:50AM

These would make for a great display in a baseball-themed rec room or basement. Very nice!

MrNearMint · February 19, 2015 1:21PM

I really like the vending machines. Probably a silly question but I gotta ask, do you have any cards in them?

Impressive arcade you have.

72skywalker · February 19, 2015 7:57PM

I love them. My only coin ops are non baseball related. I have an original Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man and Speak Easy pinball machine in my downstairs. I spent many quarters playing Pac Man. I would of sold my sister at the time for a quarter. I remember there was a penny candy store down at the beach where I stayed all summer. The candy was really only a penny. There was one video game in the store which I believe it was Outrun. It ate my quarter once and the old lady just told me that it does that from time to time and to just hit the side like the Fonz on a juke box and it will start up for free. After that it was down to her shop every day for some candy and free video games.

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:12AM

<< What a great thread! My favorite is the Exhibits vendor. The new one is cool too and your enthusiasm is really great to see. Thanks for sharing. And congrats on selling the practice! >>

Hiya Dan.

Mine too! Was the first one I purchased back in 1993. Thanx.

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:13AM

<< Cool and colorful Mike. Thanks for all you do for the forum with your outstanding collection. >>

Very kind of you Doug and thanx!

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:16AM

<< That collection is fun to observe just through the pictures, I could only imagine how cool all that stuff is in person! Great stuff, Mike, and congrats! I'm assuming this is retirement as well? If so, MAJOR congrats!

>>

Thanx Chuck! Yes, this is my 2nd retirement - first military.

I will help 1 to 2 days a week for a bit - which is OK with me - I have no responsibility! If someone is sick? Pissed off? Something breaks? Computers off-line? NOT my problem!

BTW - I haven't found the folder yet - as soon as I do, I'll send you the artwork - haven't forgot you.

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:20AM

<< Fantastic grouping of sports artifacts. Have you ever considered a local mini museum? I've always liked the 5 cent baseball pinball machines. I recall some BB pinball machines dispensed BB cards. >>

Correct!

This one was purchased last year and is "new/old stock" - placed in a storage bin and still has the packing from 1957 in it!

Gum ball - card dispenser for 1 penny!

I placed those Topps cards in it - it will dispense both pre and post '57 cards.

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:21AM

<< Very nice Mike. I meant to send you a PM the beginning of the week to see if you were aware of all the coin ops H&S had in their auction this week. I guess you knew!!!! CONGRATS! >>

Thanx for thinking of me Doug.

The shipping on this leviathan will be hefty! Haven't gotten it yet - I'm guessing 3 to 400 bucks!

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:23AM

<< I really like the vending machines. Probably a silly question but I gotta ask, do you have any cards in them?

Impressive arcade you have. >>

Thanx and no. The machines are operational - tho I've lost the keys to the exhibit machine.

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:26AM

<< I love them. My only coin ops are non baseball related. I have an original Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man and Speak Easy pinball machine in my downstairs. I spent many quarters playing Pac Man. I would of sold my sister at the time for a quarter. I remember there was a penny candy store down at the beach where I stayed all summer. The candy was really only a penny. There was one video game in the store which I believe it was Outrun. It ate my quarter once and the old lady just told me that it does that from time to time and to just hit the side like the Fonz on a juke box and it will start up for free. After that it was down to her shop every day for some candy and free video games. >>

Cool story Tom.

As I've said - these machines "were/are" my past and bring a smile to my face when I need a lift. Everything tastes better, looks brighter, feels better when you're a kid!

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:30AM

<< Fantastic grouping of sports artifacts. Have you ever considered a local mini museum? I've always liked the 5 cent baseball pinball machines. I recall some BB pinball machines dispensed BB cards. >>

Interesting you mention the "display" idea.

I've been given the back bedroom which I'll be setting up - I was gonna make it solely for display but recently decided to also make it a place to play and record guitar - so I'll be losing a bit of the space.

Believe me - I'll be excited to post on the final product - this stuff has way more appeal for me if I can share. Nothing wrong with a little "good ole fashioned showin' off!"

Stone193 · February 20, 2015 2:52AM

<< Fantastic grouping of sports artifacts. Have you ever considered a local mini museum? I've always liked the 5 cent baseball pinball machines. I recall some BB pinball machines dispensed BB cards. >>

Thanx!

<< These would make for a great display in a baseball-themed rec room or basement. Very nice! >>

Thanx Tim.

jmaciu · February 20, 2015 4:41AM

Mike, thanks for sharing. I love the diversity of your collection, and could see it fitting well in a hobby museum.

Stone193 · February 21, 2015 11:21AM

<< Mike, thanks for sharing. I love the diversity of your collection, and could see it fitting well in a hobby museum. >>

Thanx John - haven't heard from you in a bit.

Next Fri. I close on the sale of the office!!!!

Stone193 · June 14, 2017 6:21AM

Hi everyone

Would like to add an update.

I actually purchased this machine last year before the renovation - I believe - but didn't have a chance to clean it up.

Often times, these machines are really dirty - this one no exception.

Play Ball Gum Ball Machine - Ekholm Mfg. Co. - St. Paul, MN - 1950s

A 1 cent coin op with "multiple" slots for the gum ball to return with baseball outcomes like a HR.

I would say it was designed for kids to compete with each other - competition may inspire a kid to spend more?

It's 14" tall and 11" wide.

I've seen where some attribute this to the 40s also? Have no true idea.

Simple mechanism of play - place penny - gum ball falls into main slot - pull plunger - ball goes along the top arc - hits the spring and then falls in 1 of 7 outcomes to include single, double, triple, HR, SO, BB, FO.

Thanx for viewing.