AboutLarry 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!
Expert: Larry Bieza Date: 12/23/2007 Subject: value
Question larry i have a 1946 bally surf queen em fliperless pinball machine with all parts that could use refurbishing. could you tell me what it is worth in fair condition and who might be interested i am in madison wisc. thanks don ponti
Answer Hi Don, The company that made your game, Bally, grew from a small concern originally named Lion Manufacturing into one of the largest coin machine producers. Ray Moloney started the company, which really hit it's stride when the pinball boom arrived in the early 1930's. Their first game, Ballyhoo, was one of the best selling games of the year. Your game Surf Queens is a sort of orphan game. After WW2, Bally had moved on to making mainly slot machines, and from 1946 till the 1960's they only made a few different pinballs. Also, the games made in 1946 and 1947 didn't have flippers, and quickly became obsolete when flippers revolutionized the industry in late 1947. Unfortunately, collectors today are like the players of yesteryear, and are not interested in non-flipper games. Because of that, even in nice condition, your game will only bring $100-300. As far as finding an interested buyer, I think the local Penny Shopper, or Craigslist.com would be the best place to find someone. Good Luck! Larry www.coinoplibrary.com
