My Coin Op Collection

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Stone193
Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
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.

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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

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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!!!! image
Thanx for viewing and supporting me over the years.
Mike

Comments

  • DanBessette
    DanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
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    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
    CW Posts: 1,263 ✭✭✭
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    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! image
  • dytch2220
    dytch2220 Posts: 1,681 ✭✭✭
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    Sweet collection, thanks for sharing!
    The N8 Collection: PSA Registry Sets & Showcases
  • BLUEJAYWAY
    BLUEJAYWAY Posts: 11,795 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    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.
    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
  • Piggs
    Piggs Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Cool and colorful Mike. Thanks for all you do for the forum with your outstanding collection.
  • detroitfan2
    detroitfan2 Posts: 3,392 ✭✭✭✭
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    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
    Dboneesq Posts: 18,222 ✭✭
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    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!
    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • grote15
    grote15 Posts: 30,224 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    These would make for a great display in a baseball-themed rec room or basement. Very nice!


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • MrNearMint
    MrNearMint Posts: 1,209 ✭✭✭
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    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
    72skywalker Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭
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    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.
    Collecting Yankees and vintage Star Wars
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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.
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Cool and colorful Mike. Thanks for all you do for the forum with your outstanding collection. >>

    Very kind of you Doug and thanx!
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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! image >>

    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! image

    BTW - I haven't found the folder yet - as soon as I do, I'll send you the artwork - haven't forgot you. image
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!

    image

    I placed those Topps cards in it - it will dispense both pre and post '57 cards.
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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. image
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!" image
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!



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

    Thanx Tim.
    Mike
  • jmaciu
    jmaciu Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭
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    Mike, thanks for sharing. I love the diversity of your collection, and could see it fitting well in a hobby museum.

    Jmaciu's Collection
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>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!!!! image
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 8, 2025 6:46PM
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    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.

    Mike
  • Robby
    Robby Posts: 681 ✭✭✭
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    Mike .........................Super nice game ! Fantastic collection ! Keep em coming !
    Robbie

    Collect 1964 Topps Baseball
    1963 Fleer
    Lou Brock Master Set
  • Arsenal83
    Arsenal83 Posts: 1,176 ✭✭✭
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    Love these. They make great display pieces and really symbolize the style of their era.

  • divecchia
    divecchia Posts: 6,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    As always very interesting pieces, Mike. These coin operated machines are colorful, interesting and great to display.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • seebelow
    seebelow Posts: 1,643 ✭✭✭
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    awesome collection!!!....looking forward to more posts...much appreciated

    the old-new stock is unreal

    Interested in higher grade vintage cards. Aren't we all. image
  • dennis07
    dennis07 Posts: 1,842 ✭✭✭
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    Love that it has a key.

    Collecting 1970 Topps baseball
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 9, 2025 5:27PM
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    Thanx guys!

    As always - much appreciated.

    Here's one I picked up last year - still not put back together - over 5' tall.

    Mike
  • JBrules
    JBrules Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wow! As always some pretty incredibly cool pickups. Congrats.

  • Panama Mutiny
    Panama Mutiny Posts: 2,212 ✭✭✭✭
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    insane

    i COLLECT THESE
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
  • fmclaug11
    fmclaug11 Posts: 339 ✭✭✭
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    Awesome collection!

  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 16, 2025 5:15PM
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    Thanx for the kind words guys!

    I posted this in my "future" hobby room - I had a pedestal made that can hold 4 coin ops.

    We'll see how it looks down the road.

    Edit Jan24.

    Finished pedestal that allows 4 coin ops to be displayed in less space overall.

    Mike
  • nam812
    nam812 Posts: 10,608 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like its in great shape Mike. Very nice pick up buddy.

  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Thanx Nick.

    Mike
  • craig44
    craig44 Posts: 13,172 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    thats is really cool! is it operational? It would be fun to see it function.

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Thanx for asking David.

    Yes. It does work - it's a challenge to grab the ball.

    Here's a video on how it works - I paid half of what that one sold for.

    https://youtu.be/jAqtitfFmqE?si=3hH7bAQ8qgydrFMs

    Mike
  • Downtown1974
    Downtown1974 Posts: 7,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Mike - after all of these years, it’s so cool to see you enjoy the thrill these bring when you add a new piece to the collection. You’re preserving history. With this type of collection, you’ve crossed the threshold of being a collector, to becoming a curator.
    Thanks for sharing!

  • detroitfan2
    detroitfan2 Posts: 3,392 ✭✭✭✭
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    Mike, do you have any photos of how you have these displayed? Would love to see your mancave.

  • estang
    estang Posts: 1,525 ✭✭✭
    edited November 9, 2025 6:48AM
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    Love this, Mike!

    Remind me, do you have any stand-up, big machines?

    What are considered the top "crown jewel" machines that are large, stand-up?

    I saw something on social media of one I hadn't seen before & it was really involved - if I can find, will share. It seemed to have many layers to it... wheels spinning whereby it was doing things at a ball/strike level. Perhaps it was AI fake, as when I saw it, I couldnt' believe it.

    Enjoy your collection!
    Erik
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Thanx for the kind words Bob - it's much appreciated - it's a challenge to be on a forum which is mostly dedicated to trading cards.

    Hi Tom, my 2 rooms are all messed up - have had some things taking up my time but I'm working on it - I'll post some pics when I've got everything done. I just put 6 pics on the table - so my walls have to be reorganized.

    Mike
  • KendallCat
    KendallCat Posts: 3,169 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Those are amazing Mike and thank you for sharing!

    KC

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