Expert: Rodger Knutson - 2/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: We just purchased a 1947 Cyclone is excellent working condition for $300.  We are having trouble finding any information about it on the Internet and do not have any idea of its true value. Would you be able to provide us with this?  We would also appreciate any information that you might have on the machine.  Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Debra,
I am confused on your game, Gottlieb is recorded as making a Cyclone in 1951.
Williams is recored as making a Cyclone in 1988? So, do you still believe it was made in 1947 by Williams? Does it have flippers?
Or...., is there more to the name, how does it read on the glass?
Thank You
Rodger

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

QUESTION: Hi Rodger- Thanks for answering.  I have a link that I found on the internet with some pictures so that you can see it.  It is neither of the two that you mentioned. http://www.xmission.com/~daina/images/jb/cyclone_47.html
I hope that this works.  Please let me know if you cannot access it.  Thanks again-
Debra

Answer
Hi Debra,

I got your link and thank you for your help on this one, I needed it! It's a rare game, as I did more research on it, and I did find it listed, the resource information I have does list this game, and lists it as being a 1 player game, made in 1947, but absolutely nothing more. This is what is called a wood-rail game, a early game with no flippers. I have a game in the same period like yours, which also doesn't have any information available on it. It's also a Bally but it's buried out in the garage so not sure of it's correct name right now, something like "three a spot", or "spot a three", something along those lines. Mine is a wood rail also, and I figure it's value is whatever I could, or can, get for it, which I would try for a bit more then average wood rail prices, which range from $300.00 to $600.00 on most wood rail games, the $600.00 value goes more for the payout wood-rail, games which wood payout in coins, or credits if you changed it over to the credit stepper. These old wood rail games, some models called bingo or horse race type games, have tons of switches, relays, step-up counters, odds units etc., etc., in them. They just flat weigh a ton, and when they break, they are very labor intensive to fix, also there are very few fixers out there for these. So, I think this is why they just don't bring the money they should bring, but maybe someday. There are a very few collectors that hunt out the rare stuff, like yours and mine, but you got to find them. Ebay maybe, pinball resource maybe, pinball magazines, adds, you would have to let the pinball collectors world know you have this rare machine first to try to get a interest in it. Like always, true value is what the seller is willing to sell it for, and what the buyer is willing to pay for it, without a history of selling or buying for your model and mine, we have no idea, or way, of determining it's true value. I think you got a steal at the price you paid, and if it's in great shape and working to boot, you got a very good deal. Caution here, don't let it sit without playing it for a very long time! If you don't use it once in a while your asking for trouble, exercise those relays and units often, it my not work when you turn it on after a very long period of time. These old games need to be exercised just like us, or they freeze and gum up, you know the Fraze, use it or loose it, well it fits these old e/m games to a "T" also. They like to be kept warm and used from time to time to keep them happy. Sorry I don't have more information on this, but a game that is very rare doesn't have have a lot of information available to find. I am sure you have found that out already in you own research for information on this great, vary rare game.
Thank You
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com