Expert: Larry Bieza - 12/23/2007

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