Expert: Rodger Knutson - 1/15/2010

Question
Hi Mr. Knutson,
I am the owner of an all original 1979(?)Bally Mariner Pinball machine which is (in my opinion) in very good condition.
There is the usual amount of table wear, slight rust on the leveling feet on the legs, and a little bit of heat stain (from another machine) on the upper cabinet's right hand side. The backglass is fully intact and shows the beginning of paint crackle.
The only real problem with the machine is the fuse box. Two of the fins that hold the glass fuses in place have corroded and broken off; making electrical contact difficult. Other than that, she is fine and a joy to play.
I have everything for it, including the electronic diagrams, owner's manual, cobwebs and dead spiders, etc.
I am looking/hoping for an approximate value of this machine, as I don't have the heart to sell it.
If you would like pictures, or a plate number, in order to help you put a value on this machine,  I would be happy to accommodate you.
Thank you for your time,
Ted

Answer
Hi Ted,

Your Bally Mariner was first released in November of 1971, this is a four player game and Bally made a total of 2,000 units of this one. Average Value of this in this year, 2010 as stated in a fresh 2010 value guide, is $525.00. You can see more information on it at this site:
http://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=1546
Also by your description I would guess this to be an average condition machine and not a perfect machine, so this value should be accurate but this does not mean that is isn't worth more or less, this is just a guide value meaning on average there are tracked at selling for this amount. Ted, I hope this got you all the answers that you were looking for, if not just ask.

Thank You
Sincerely

Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com