Expert: Larry Bieza - 3/25/2010

Question
My reason for writing (besides to say hi) is to ask if you might know the complete presentation of the "Bee Hive" please? I located a version of it in the 1911 booklet Protection. It tells a little of the presentation, but not what the gimmick does. I have a friend who has one that has a "button" located in the center of one of the sides of the Bee Hive base frame. I can push the button with my thumb and it does sound like it is moving something in the center (most likely, displacing a ball to another place) where the ball drops down before leaving the nest of the hive. This unit has places where the money is slipped in clips. Possibly, the hold button stops the ball from going to where the big money is or alters its course. I just don't know if it needs to be pushed in to do this or left out until you want to make the stop. I would lean toward having it pushed in until you want the person to win.

I figured you would be the best person to ask since you have been surrounded by these great ideas of the past.

I appreciate any assistance for locating the instructions for the Bee Hive. Also, if there is any record of who manufactured the items too.

Thank you in advance,


Gary

Answer
Hi Gary,  I have deferred to a friend of mine for this.  If your friend wants to sell it, my friend would be interested in buying. Let me know: coinoplibrary@comcast.net

Here's his response:

You put a nickel in the top of the Clawson Bee Hive. If it goes the right way you get a payout.A clockwork mechanism turns different cups inside with different amounts. From 3 nickel to maybe 20 would be payed out. It sounds like this button is an add on and not original. Is it for sale? IT works like a 3 for 1 but is clockwork.

(Larry)I have seen one operate myself and the clockwork makes the buzzing sound.  have no idea what these balls are you speak of.  It was made by Clement Clawson of Newark NJ.  Hope this was of some help.  Larry www.coinoplibrary.com