I just posted a thread about a rare machine I founded called Buttons and figured I would share it here. It was produced by Daval Manufacturing in 1937. There's not a single photo of this game on the internet (it was not even in Pinside's database until I posted the thread) so I figured I'd take some pics and send them to the IPDB. This one is a real survivor, it's in really nice shape. Unfortunately the scoring doesn't work (no power to the coil), but I do get backbox lighting if I manually move the stepper unit. I rewired the whole game since the original wire was flaking off in my hand.

I'm not sure how to get it working - there is a power transformer in the bottom of the cabinet that is so old I don't know if it can be fixed, but I'm not getting any of the higher voltages out of it. Is there a modern equivalent that can be purchased to replace this?

Here's the thread: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/found-a-rare-game-called-buttons

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A lot of games were converted to wall power aftermarket.

Wow, clean bottom board. That game was probably converted to transformer/wall operation from dry cell battery packs.

The note to the operator in the back might be a clue, as well as the discoloration inside the back door (easy for the operator to change batteries).

There will probably only be two voltages (if that) output by the transformer, 6.3V and 12V. It might only be 12V, or even something higher like 17V - what type of bulbs are used?

I wouldn't power the coils in the game with anything higher than that until you've tested them at 6V and at 12V.

My guess is that the game uses 12V only.

If the transformer isn't working, you can also replace with a switching 12V supply with sufficient amperage to handle the coils. Good luck! Very cool game, and thanks for sending photos to IPDB.

I love how the legs attach, too. Very cool and very different. Seems like a better way to go and much easier to make, but I wonder if the potential for irreparable damage due to unpredictable collapsing or folding of the legs was the concern. Well, scratch that, I see that the legs are actually notched so the cab sits on them. Hmm, I wonder what it was, then, that made them switch back to doing it on the corners...

That transformer appears to use a selenium rectifier. DANGER, get that entire transformer/rectifier out of circuit and install a modern unit as mentioned above. You can leave the old unit in place for originality. Serious fire risk, but the smell of the burnt rectifier will pollute your nose and your entire house for years to come. You will want to sell the house and move, if your wife doesn't kill you first.

Can you post a close-up pic of that transformer/rectifier? Electropak?

Does anyone have a good method for getting what looks like water stains off of this baffle ball? I've tried naptha, Howard's feed n wax, novus #2,(very lightly), and flitz, in a test spot. I can always strip it again with naptha if anyone has any recommendations. I'm trying to preserve, not restore it. Howard's feed and wax is doing an amazing job on the cabinet.

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Here are the options I would try:
Feed N Wax- if you didn’t leave it on for a day or more, try that with a heavy coat on a small area.
50:50 white vinegar and hot water- rub it gently, then wipe with a towel soaked in just water, then pat dry.
Baking soda mixed with enough water to make a paste- rub it gently, then wipe with a towel soaked in just water, then pat dry.
50:50 white vinegar and olive oil- rub it gently, then wipe with a towel soaked in just water, then pat dry. (if it doesn’t work, at least you have the start of a dressing)

The idea of trying these is that either a base (baking soda) or acid will react with the minerals in the stains, or an oil will moisturize the surface.

Good luck!

Not my auction. Scarce title. Gottlieb Register.

ebay.com link: itm

A friend sent me these two games he knows of for sale. Are they worth pursuing? Or would anyone here like me to get the sellers info?
I'm assuming they are in Wisconsin Milwaukee/Madison area.

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The Rockola Juggleball is a pretty neat game

Hello everyone! Recently came into possession of Harry William's Contact from 1934. It is in fairly good condition, considering it's almost 90 years old! I was surprised when I couldn't find any video of this game in action, seeing its importance as the first EM game. I decided to document its gameplay, so I made a little video if anyone is interested.

Machine - For Sale

Buttons

Partially shopped/refurbished - “I have the unexpected opportunity to purchase aa grail machine on my wishlist and need to raise funds, so unfortunately I have to part ways with a super rare pre-war machine I pick...”

23 days ago

Patchogue, NY

Pinwizkid

1,000

I have the unexpected the opportunity to pickup a grail game and sadly need to let go of some machines to raise funds, including the Buttons machine I posted earlier. I was hoping to get it fully working this year but have to cut the project short. If anyone is interested, please check out the ad and contact me. Thanks!

There are a Bally Jumbo and a Rock-ola Credit payout listed for sale. What are they worth? They are a 3 hour drive away so can not tell condition.

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Really cool looking games! I'd be making an offer on those AND the Coke machine underneath, though.

If they still have the mechanical innards, $800-$1200 for the pair. Hollow cabinets, $300-$600. At least that's what I would offer. Up to you if/how to haggle.

Considering the rough exterior and how they are stacked, I doubt the mechanical parts are still there. But those cabinets and play fields look like they should clean up great with a little love.

And yes, see if the coke machine is also for sale

Beautiful game! I hope someone snaps it up. What a looker.
Of course I'll admit I'm dying to know which of the curious obscure games on your wishlist you're funding
Please let us know once it's secured.

Have a nice Jumbo, fun game with lots of small payouts to keep your interest up. These look rough. Would want better pictures and description before driving 3 hours. Rock-Ola cabinet is coming apart & side door missing. Did it get wet or vandalized? No legs in evidence. What else is missing? No playfield glass & dirt could be hiding more problems (delamination, rust). Could still be ok, or totally not worth the drive. Guestimate 800 to 1200 for when they are average looking working games, in line with prices I've seen at auctions and shows.

WINGS is finally complete. All original except for the following new bright steel shooter rod - made to replace original as I have return spring rather than I thing was a rubber stopper, front cabinet repaired damage caused by someone trying to get inside I presume to try and get it working as it was solid nothing moved. I repaired the front by keeping as much of the original wood then a new front veneer to hide the damage, lastly a veneer to the part of the semi circular wood at the bottom of the playfield the leadin edge completely smashed up. See pictures

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1935 Bally Golden Harvest for sale. https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/149626

That artwork is really cool. In my head, I hear this in a Rollergames announcer voice: "shoot the onion!"

Bummer, not local or I would grab this.

We had fun taking turns playing a Golden Harvest at the Fall 2022 York PA show. Really enjoyed seeing it there. Plays much slower than a one ball game. Took a few games to get a winner, but no money came out (noticed the "battery eliminator" was not plugged in). Which is ok. We were dipping into the owners can of nickels to play the game.

Would have bought the game at York for the right price, or this Colorado game if it was closer.

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Well, that's interesting. This Golden Harvest also appears to be in a 1935 Bally 'Ace' cabinet. I will have to investigate further. Thanks for posting the image.

I know of a few games from Bally 1937 and 1938 that had what I call "cabinet overlap". Promo photos and even a few models made with one cabinet, then along the way, they change the cabinet art to the new version, then that art lasts through the start of the next one. Wouldn't surprise me if this was a common thing back then.

Hurray! Got the first sign of life out of my 1936 Bally Roundup payout today!

Gotta love the '12 coin escalator' that the game came with, showing the previous played coins to prevent cheating.

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