Expert: Larry Bieza - 11/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 pinball machines, a Solar Fire & a Black Knight, could you please give me an idea of what they are worth? I also have a Wurlitzer Cabaret 160 Jukebox & would like to know how much to ask for it as I need to sell it, sadly no longer have the space. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me. Regards Jo(Anne)

ANSWER: Hi Anne,  The answer is in US dollars.  Assuming nice cosmetic condition and working, the Solar Fire would be $600 and the Black knight $1200.  The Jukebox has little to no value on this side of the pond.  Sorry!   Larry

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

QUESTION: Hi Larry, thanks for the quick reply, I have been told that the Solar Fire is quite rare as there are not many around, here or in the USA. I was expecting it to be worth more than the Black Knight for that reason, are your valuations/estimations what I could expect to achieve if I sold them on your side of the pond? in other words do you think I could get those prices here in the UK? In regard to the jukebox, I bought it in 1986 for £400 and I have been offered £100 for it, I have enjoyed it for all these years so I think I will take the money and run, it is too big to store! (we are selling up and will be full-timing in an American RV as of Dec 9th) I'm not in a hurry to sell the "pins" as they are being taken care of by a friend who also said the same as you about the jukebox. Kindest regards Jo (Anne)

Answer
Hi Anne, I did make a mistake.  I thought of Solar Ride instead of Solar Fire.  But the value isn't that much different.  It should be around $800.  It had a production run of 782, which is fairly low, but not to the point of rare, and Williams games of this vintage aren't hot for collectors.  Yes, sell the Juke!   And good luck on your big excursion!   Larry