Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Bonzin & Sopransi

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Expert: - 10/12/2010


Question
I have a Bonzin and Sopransi Crane machine. I have found that they were Italians who moved to France to manufacture these machines in the 1920's. However current searching of the web brings no further information.
We would like to repair the doors, and would like to know what type of timber the original machine was made from?

Answer
Philip, That's a tough one.  I've owned some of their cranes, but never knew which woods they were made from.  The doors typically had butterfly veneers on them.  You'd have to find out what the common woods in french furniture were, and use the same.   Sorry I have no more info.  Larry

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Larry 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!

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