Expert: Rodger Knutson - 1/5/2011

Question
Just acquired a 1949 Chicago Coin Champion Pinball machine. It is in good condition and works well.Has been sitting in one spot for the last 47 years.  Just wanting to know something about it and the approximate value for insurance purposes.
Thank you. Will send you a photo on your e-mail address.

Answer
Well Debbie, I have found it in lists but there is not really any information on it to speak of. Here is a list that you can view some information on it:

http://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=487

This machine falls through the gap in the pinball value guides that are out there, the guides cover all the flipper type machines, and some guides cover the early bingo type machines of the same vintage as yours, but not being a bingo type game, it doesn't get listed. So, all I can do is give you my guess as to value and that is going to be just a little higher then the bingo type games. I would guess it's value to be around 400.00 to 600.00. I fell that I am right in the value area on this even that it is not listed in the value guides, and by just seeing what games of this type sell for in the past.

I hope this helps you some, I know it's not perfect information but sometimes you just can't find it all in writing.

Thank You
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com