AboutLarry 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!
Expert: Larry Bieza Date: 4/15/2008 Subject: Pinball Machine
Question I am searching for the estimated value of a Flipper Parade machine by Gottlieb. I thought it was circa 1955, but appears to be from 1961 and one of 1500 made. Is this true? It is functional. Any idea how much it is worth?
Answer Yes, that is correct. Gottlieb in the early 1960's made a series of Flipper titled games that had the add-a-ball feature. In this mode, when you reached a certain score the game awarded you an extra ball, instead of a free game. They were only made for a few states where credit awarding was illegal as it was considered gambling, mainly Wisconsin and New York. Condition always affects price, but in nice original shape it should bring around $800-1000. Larry www.coinoplibrary.com
