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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/1940 groetchen sparks trade stimulator?

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Expert: - 1/6/2008


Question

trade stimulator
I recently acquired this machine from my fiance's grandfathers house. It looks identical to the 1940 grotchen sparks 1 cent trade stimulator except the reels are sports pictures and not cigarettes. Also the sparks plate on the top front is half covered up by a small plate showing the winning combinations. The word "sparks" is still visible but the paragraph about the gumballs is covered up by this new plate. The new plate matches perfectly to the original with the same identical colors and same "rivets" fastening it to the machine. Lastly it is a 5 cent machine and not a 1 cent. I've looked everywhere and can not find this machine. I've checked it inside and out and every piece has the same number "A3369" on it what do you think I have here?

Answer
Hi,
 Nice machine. I have tried researching but cannot find anyone else that can give more info. Only guess is distributor altered machine to more popular sports theme wherever he was located and could charge 5 cents per play rather than one cent.
 Sorry I could not give more info.

Tom Novitski

Expertise

I am able to answer questions on old coin operated machines. These include vending machines such as gumball or peanut or other machines such as trade stimulators that did not dispense a product but were positioned on a store's counter to bring in customers or stimulate trade. I specialize in machines by Pulver, Zeno, and Mansfield and also any old cast iron or wood machines.

Experience

I have been collecting these type of machines for about 10 years and have traveled the country to antique shows and auctions.

Organizations
Coin operated collectors association

Education/Credentials
I have learned about many of these machines from traveling to view the collections of others.

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