Expert: Rodger Knutson - 4/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have an original 1956 Gottlieb's Classy Bowler in very good, working condition with all the original glass, and in very good condition. Never restored or repainted, just treated well. I have owned it (and used it) for the past 40 years. It worked the last time it was used, about 10 years ago. I might be interested in selling it to a collector, but would like to get an idea of possible value first. Also, can you recommend somewhere I could advertise it, if I decide to sell it? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Wayne,

Cool, I love them but there just too big for most people. Here's the people to talk to about value and such, and for parts! Http://www.BigBallBowler.com There going to have the latest and greatest information for you. Bowlers are big so I would try to sell locally if at all passable, maybe consign to a antique store. Here's the deal with these, most bowling games are rather large and difficult to move. Most home owners and collectors do not have the room for one, so the market is very soft, maintaining low prices. Most are sold for $500.00 or less for non-working condition. However, the right game, restored, in top condition may sell for $4,000.00. Shuffle alleys tend to command a lower price with prices in the low hundreds for a non-working game and near $1,000.00 for a nice shopped one.
My best help to you here is the web site, these people work with these all the time and can be you best help for information and parts. I hope this gets you going on any additional information you might need.
Thank You
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the prompt reply. I went to the BigBallBowler site, but it only deals with bowling machines which, as you stated, are very big. My Classy Bowler is a woodrail pinball machine. How would you value this? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Wayne,

WOW, I missed the boat on that one! I guess I should of asked, but a bowler is almost always a bowler and not a pinball?? Well not always I see. I guess I know why I couldn't find it in all my Bowler information. OK, let me fix this mess.  Your Gottlieb "Classy Bowler" Pinball machine, was made in 1956 coming out in July of that year, they made 1,100 units of this one player game and the value as of 2007 is $1,275.00. They also made the same game with a (add-a-ball feature) does your game have that? Impressive value for an older pinball game. Where to sell it is a hard one, the way you could reach most of the collectors would be, I think, ebay but then you have the shipping problem. I might be interested if you were close to my city, where do you live?
Thank you and sorry for the tour of bowling games we took first here. So many games out there and so little time. If you have a photo of it, please email it if you can, my email is below, I would love to see it.
Cheers

Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
jackpot7@ix.netcom.com
http://www.coinslots.com