Expert: Rodger Knutson - 1/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: I own an old pinball machine that is completely mechanical. The name of the machine is "World Series" but I cannot locate the name of the manufacturer. The bumpers are metal pins and in the bottom center of the playfield are the bases (a rotating plate) that moves when the ball falls into the hole of each base. It was coin operated and the patents on the coin slot show dates in 1933.
In the playfield there is also a patent number of 1842063. I am trying to find out some more information about this machine such as manufacturer, date made and worth. The machine overall is in good condition with all lettering and decoration on the playfield intact and all mechanical functions seemingly working as well. Someone before me put a coat of paint on it before I got it but the legs etc. are all there. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your time!

ANSWER: Hi Ted,

I believe this will be the the one made by Rock-ola Manufacturing in May of 1934, a super neat game! See the attached photo to see if this is the one you have, it sound like it is based on you great detail of describing it, thank you. I also have a copy of the patent for this game if you want to write me at Jackpot7@q.com I would be happy to send it along for you. If this is the game you have let me know and I'll try to see if I can find the proper value to it, this will take some more research so I would like to know if I have guess the right game you have first.

Thank You

Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much Roger for your prompt answer! Yes indeed this is the game that I have. After looking up the information you provided the only thing I am not sure of is the date of manufacture. It seems that there are 1933 and 1934 models. Is this the case and how do you tell?
As for the valuation, I should say that the game is in good shape with the original glass, legs and hardware with the noted exceptions. Game case has been painted but original paint can be seen underneath, the coin box is missing as well as the door to the coin box and apparently there was a marquee of some sort on the back which is not there. I hope this helps. Again, Thank you for your response! It is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Ted Thompson

Answer
Hi again Ted,

Here is some additional information on your pinball table, value on average is from about 350.00 to 500.00, this value information is just a guide as to it's value. NOTE: I was unable to attach the information I wanted to give you to this answer, sorry. If you would like it please write me at Jackpot7@q.com and I'll forward it to you.
Thank You
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com


Hi Ted, well I don't know maybe you have some more information on it then I do but here is the patent dates on it all in 1933 and 34:

Design Patent DE90,927 applied for August-5-1933, issued October-24-1933
Mechanical Patent No. 1,975,374 filed April-14-1934, granted October-2-1934.

and I have May of 1934 as first production. Theres patents on the shooter also as this might have been used on several different model games but still that was 1933 also.

But I guess they could of produced them before they applied for the patents', anything is possible, and this was a long time ago. This is all I know about the date it was first produced.

Thank You
Rodger