There aren't many data points to prognosticate about pricing for the Elwin anniversary Bond game.

The Beatles Diamond version isn't a good barometer, in my opinion, because the Diamond version is identical to the $8K Gold version, save for an alternative crystal backglass in lieu of a translite and some inconsequential other cosmetic differences. Beatles Diamond production was limited to 100 games.

A few Diamonds sold for $25+ upon release. The Platinum version, limited to 250 units, fetched in the $17K range at the start. Over time, both the Diamond and Platinum versions settled at considerably lower price points. Diamonds fell to the $13K - $16K range and Platinums to the $10K - $11K range.

In contrast, Golds could be bought NIB upon release for $7,500 and have increased in value about 10% and 20%+ with the topper. Golds were advertised as limited to 1614 games (1964 minus the Platinum and Diamond editions).

Stern's Supreme is reported to have sold for $50K. I suspect that any such sale was a publicity stunt as opposed to a legitimate purchase. Even if it was real, it was an outlier, providing no meaningful help in price formulation. Most importantly, Supreme is a niche title, with trendy appeal outside the typical pinball community. Supreme's playfield is bare and not targeted to typical pinball enthusiasts.

The Bond anniversary edition has little in common with Primus or Whoa Nellie. Arguably, it shares some commonality with other anniversary version releases. But, the others are all multilevel interpretations of cornerstone games, unlike this Elwin Bond game.

I'm guessing that the Elwin Bond anniversary edition will fetch $19,999 after the proverbial dust settles and after several collectors pay considerably more. Of course, price speculation is particularly dubious absent playfield photos and gameplay video.

Actually, pinball ramps have been around at least 87 years. Here's a 1935 CCM Rapid Transit I restored years ago.

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Ken is a talented restorer and a good guy. He's on Facebook.

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For those acquiring both the Bond LE and 60th versions, you enter an exclusive mode where you learn that Stern has the special code unlocking your wallet. ;>

How? Mechanical score reels disappeared at the end of the 1970s.

For example, 1978 Gottlieb Hit the Deck utilized faux digital score reels (mechanical in reality) to mimic the new digital technology----which would ultimately supplant the electromechanical era.

The 1980s represents the dawning of the digital age of pinball.

Got it.

It's "has," as you know. Stern is a singular entity. Equally, it's "gone," as opposed to "went," as you also know. . .another grammar faux pas littering this thread.

The Pinsiders whose primary language is other than English have a better understanding of English than most Americans. The USA education system is as broken as Stern's pricing policy.

Stern exploited the "imagination phenomenon" with its anniversary edition.

We tend to fill in the blanks with our primal instincts, fears and desires. We knew that Elwin was designing the game. We learned that the game would feature a unique shot never before seen in pinball. Most of us imagined a spectacular creation. We filled in the blanks left for us by Stern.

Alfred Hitchcock understood the human psyche. That's why in the classic horror film, Psycho, the knife never actually pierces flesh. Instead, that famous shower scene is edited so that our minds create the horror.

Imagination is among the most powerful of human traits.

Evidently, you'll have to look elsewhere for pork and whirlpools.

Kim knew what you meant to convey by the metaphor. But, the literal reading is far more entertaining.

The barren oil fields most likely account for the absence of oil barons. :>

But, are we talking about GG eggs or E eggs?

Golden Goose eggs or Easter eggs?

George Gomez eggs or Elwin eggs?

All eggs are not hatched equally, you know. . .; >

Anyone know the over-under odds on the anniversary edition's power cord configuration? ;>

I opted for a Bond LE cornerstone. My draw to the Bond character dates back to the early/mid 1970s when, as a teenager, my dad gave me this Omega Seamaster.

For this reason, the Bond theme evokes wonderful memories of my late father. Call me sentimental. But, my dad died 23 years ago and I like wearing the watch while playing my game.

My dad's friend was Stan Harris, a prominent pinball operator/distributor in the northeast in the sixties and seventies. As a result, our family always had pinball machines in the basement. My siblings and I were very lucky.

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