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Question
Dear Larry, I am interested in finding the value and some general information
of a 1932 Gottlieb 'PLAY-BOY' penny pinball countertop game with the metal
stand. It was my grandfathers and holds a lot of sentimental value to me so
not looking to sell. In good condition.
Hi Devin, Your game is one of the first, but not THE first, pinball game produced by Gottlieb. Dave Gottlieb started as a route operator in Dallas,TX in the 1920's. In 1927 he developed a small counter top coin-op strength test machine. In order to manufacture the machine he decided to move to the coin machine capital, Chicago. He was perfectly positioned to jump on the pinball frenzy, producing Bingo in Sept. 1931. Playboy came out in January of 1932 and as with some of the earlier games, was produced in three different sizes. The largest, Senior, model was similar in size to the modern full size pinball! But they are rarely seen today. The counter top size, which you likely have is valued at $300-425 in nice condition. The pinball craze lasted through the early years of the Depression, where gambling was common on pinballs. This led to many areas of the country banning pinballs as an illegal gambling device. Some states, namely New York, did not allow pinballs back in until the 1970's.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 9 |
| Comment | Thank you for your quick response and information on my question you were very helpful. My grandfather owned a pool hall that was started by his father and i have more vintage items such as slot machines that i look forward to asking you about in the future. once again thanks for your help. Devin | ||
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Larry Bieza
Expertise
I can answer virtually any question relating to coin operated machines. I have been a BUYER and COLLECTOR for over 25 years and have authored a number of PRICE GUIDES on the subject. My favorite coin operated items are penny arcade machines and pinball games, although I have a vast knowledge in all areas. I also have a huge quantity of coin operated paper advertising which can help date and identify most items.I can answer questions on vending machines, arcade machines, fortune tellers, slot machines, digger/crane machines, gumball machines, peanut machine, gum machine, strength testers, lung testers, pinball machines, gambling machines, bowling machines, etc. I have expertise in the machines from Mills Novelty, Caille, Watling, Keeney, Genco, Chicago Coin, Gottlieb, Bally, Williams, etc.
Experience
I have written a number of Price Guides for penny arcade machines AND for pinball games and am considered one of the experts in the hobby on pricing.
Education/Credentials
I come from the school of experience. Collecting Coin operated items is my life and hopefully you have some questions to test my abilities!
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