Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Mutoscope value?

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Expert: - 12/15/2010


Question

Lover's Yarn
I ran across your website while researching the value of my Mutoscope and see that you have advised other regarding the value of Mutoscopes.

This machine has been in my family since at least the 1940s. My great uncle owned arcades in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He retired in the early 1960s. My parents liberated this Mutoscope and a couple of other items from his basement in the early 1970s. It was in our home when I was growing up in Los Angeles.

It comes with one original reel, which is in good condition. The photos are of a woman dancing with and swinging on the handles of what looks like a large radio. She is scantily clad. I assume that the reel was probably pretty racy in the 1920s or 1930s.  The machine functions perfectly.  I replaced a drive gear with a new old stock part a few years ago.

The door currently on the machine is not cast. I assume that the original door was damaged and was replaced with the current one at some time in the distant past. When I bought the gear for the Mutoscope, I also purchased a correct cast "D" type door for it. I have not fitted the replacement door because I prefer the patina of the existing door and the paint could not be matched. I will be selling the additional cast door with the Mutoscope.

I do not have a stand for the Mutoscope.

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Todd, Please email me at coinoplibrary@comcast.net  I can give you more information on the machine and may have a buyer for you.  There are a lot of parts missing from the cabinet-I could send you a pic of what it should look like and give you an idea of value. Thanks.  Larry

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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