To get the maximum for it, your friend should have it restored, but kept as original as possible. If the backglass is a nice original, your friend should remove it and keep it in a safe place while the restoration is done. Hopefully he can fully trust the person doing the restoration not to switch out parts or do other shenanigans. He has a truly desireable and collectable game (when it come to these things, playability sometimes doesn't matter a whole lot). He can then list it on eBay, Mr. Pinball, or here on Pinside. He can post photos of it here for free. Let the market decide what it's worth. "Past performance is no guarantee of future returns", but I'd say he's going to do well with it. Please post some "as is" photos if you can. We would like to see it.

A "Mermaid" in any condition is highly collectable. Many of us here would pay $1000 or more for even a trashed example. Everyone has different tastes and desires. It's the market that determines the value of anything, not just pinball machines.

Other than the playfield, how's the rest of the game? He should post photos here so we can all have a look. He did start this thread, let's see what he's got.

I think what kills that one aside from the "ware" on the playfield is the Chicago Coin shooter gauge.

Yup, let the original poster verify his story with some photos.

Hopefully you can get us some photos of the game. That would clear up a whole lot of speculation. Then, who knows; someone here just might make him an offer he's happy with.

Ron works at the Silverball Museum. I guess Rob did buy it then. I wonder what he paid for it?
He just might commission a playfield if all else fails. Who else could use one?

I wish the original poster would let us know the status of the game. Rumor has it, it was sold to the Silverball Museum. Would Mr. Swillie care to give an update?

You were smart to snag it. I'd give Rob at the SBM a call if I were you (if he did indeed buy the game and is looking for a playfield). You could pretty much name your price.

I don't think that's happening. He probably paid a mint for it. It would be nice if the original poster (who started this whole shebang) would fill us in on some details.