AboutChad Boekelheide Expertise I'm an expert on coin operated machines. I can answer questions on slot machines, gumball & peanut machines, jukeboxes, arcade machines, pinball machines, gambling machines and any other device that operates with a coin. I have a couple hundred machines in my collection and have seen hundreds of others while traveling across the country and going to antique shows. I can give an appraisal on your item, but please send a picture if possible so I can give you accurate information. You can send pictures to me at buck@nvc.net
Experience I've been a serious collector for many years. Many of my machines can be viewed on my website. www.chadscoinop.com
Expert: Chad Boekelheide Date: 12/28/2007 Subject: Possible Value of Mercury Cigarette Trade Stimulator, One cent
Question I am sorry for not making the question clear. I am trying to determine when the machine was made and the possible value of the machine. The color of the machine is a weird bluish green. The front plate says 1 cent MERCURY Line up three of a kind and receive tokens good for 1-2-3-5 or 10 packs of cigarettes any 15 cent brand. The back is gone from the machine and it is not in working order that I can tell. The handle on the front is in the down position. The case shows alot of abuse. It has three reels of different kinds of cigarette.
Answer Terry,
The Mercury was made in 1939 by Groetchen Tool and Manufacturing Company. It was made with cigarette reel strips as well as fruit strips. The cabinet originally came in various colors including the blue/green that you mentioned. The machine is worth $100-400 depending upon condition. I would expect a non working machine without the back to sell for the lower end of the range.
Good Luck,
Chad
www.chadscoinop.com
buck@nvc.net
