Grand Champion
Williams, 1953Quoted from DCRand:And thinking that touching up on the back side of triple thick is safer than trying to touch up directly on the glass.
Yes, I have always done the touch ups after sealing, but I don't seal unless it is very necessary, and when I do,
the glasses are kept primarily at a maintained temperature..
The last glass that I had done, I sealed with clear vinyl, and so far, very pleased with its results..
Quoted from DCRand:Re triple thicking back glass. Leaning toward doing it because it does have flaws, including one scratch, in the black parts that I would like to touch up. And thinking that touching up on the back side of triple thick is safer than trying to touch up directly on the glass. Also, the wood light panel is rubbing in a few places, and going to use felt spacers on the face of the wood to protect the glass. Would rather have the felt resting on the TT than on the glass.
"Gypsy Queen" backglass is done.
It took all of about ten minutes to do it.
Woodrail glasses are easy because there is only the replay window to mask. Now I can touch up the minor issues it has after letting it dry thoroughly for a couple of days.
Quoted from jrpinball:"Gypsy Queen" backglass is done.
It took all of about ten minutes to do it.
Woodrail glasses are easy because there is only the replay window to mask. Now I can touch up the minor issues it has after letting it dry thoroughly for a couple of days.
Good decision
Quoted from DCRand:Re triple thicking back glass. Leaning toward doing it because it does have flaws, including one scratch, in the black parts that I would like to touch up. And thinking that touching up on the back side of triple thick is safer than trying to touch up directly on the glass. Also, the wood light panel is rubbing in a few places, and going to use felt spacers on the face of the wood to protect the glass. Would rather have the felt resting on the TT than on the glass.
Yep I reckon you are on the right track-triple it.
Quoted from DCRand:Would you triple thick this 1938 Swing back glass?
Hmm... Just noticed that none of that scene with the women prancing around is backlit on that glass. Only the scoring and tilt are. Not even the name! 
I was hoping you guys could help me out on what the going rate for a 1953 Gottlieb Grand Slam would be. Cabinet is original, backglass is a Shay repro and the playfield is very nice with a few touch ups. Any help would be appreciated.
Quoted from Tyamry:I was hoping you guys could help me out on what the going rate for a 1953 Gottlieb Grand Slam would be. Cabinet is original, backglass is a Shay repro and the playfield is very nice with a few touch ups. Any help would be appreciated.
Any photos?
Quoted from pinwiztom:Based on your pics and assuming there are no serious hidden flaws
I think that pin should command a minimum of $1000
Easily. Maybe quite a bit more even.
Quoted from Tyamry:I was hoping you guys could help me out on what the going rate for a 1953 Gottlieb Grand Slam would be.
In that condition mechanically working no less than $1500.
Quoted from jrpinball:Hmm... Just noticed that none of that scene with the women prancing around is backlit on that glass. Only the scoring and tilt are. Not even the name!
Yep, I was really disappointed when I pulled the back box covers off and saw the women and name were blacked out. Still beautiful from the front, but would have been amazing back lit.
Quoted from PinballFever:My grail pin arrived and what a beauty!
That's a different themed pin. I like it!
Quoted from Mopar:That's a different themed pin. I like it!
That's why I fell in love with it.
It was my first pin when I bought it for $30 from a friend in the 60's to save money that I was using to play the local pins.
To backtrack a bit:
The first time I ever played a pin was as a little kid at the skating rink arcade.
I climbed on a box or something so I could see the playfield and quickly figured out the flipper buttons then played my first game.
The fact it had wooden rails and legs and was a nickel game made a big impression on me but I was too young at the time to remember the name of it.
After that I started playing the great mid to late 60's metal rail pins at the swimming pool.
I enjoyed playing them too much and would try to use other methods to get free games when my allowance ran out.
I mowed neighbor lawns, raked leaves, shoveled snow etc so I could feed my pinball habit.
Blowing money on the pins started me thinking about buying a pin and it happened at that time that a friend bought one and decided not to keep it.
I bought it from him for $30 and I was fascinated with it because unlike the 60's games that I was playing:
1. It had wood rails and wood legs.
2. It awarded MORE than one replay. (I remember the replay reel racking off 26 free games when making certain combinations of the trap holes)
3. The backglass light scoring system.
4. You could play multiball by loading and launching more than one ball.
Then I couldn't bring it along when we moved across country.
My neighborhood friends took it to their house where they completedly disassembled it. 
All they had left of it was the backglass.
After we settled down in our new home I asked my friends to get the name of the game from the backglass so I could find another one.
I found the year and manufacturer from the Appendix in Roger Sharpe's 1977 book, "Pinball!" and started my search for a "GRAND CHAMPION" made September 11, 1953 by Williams.
It became my grail pin for over 40 years until the first one turned up 3 years ago then this one.
The backglass is almost perfect and the playfield is very good.
I'm doing a minimal restoration with no touch ups if possible.
I'd like to leave this game all original although the cardboard apron and instruction card will be replaced with reproductions.
Quoted from PinballFever:After we settled down in our new home I asked my friends to get the name of the game from the backglass
So fortunate that the backglass was saved. Without it, that's a title that would have been tough to reveal..
If at all possible, I like original also. A machine that age isn't suppose to look perfect. It's nice to hear that you have
your long lost pin. Be nice to see more once you have it up and running..
I'm mostly into metal rails, but do have a few woodrails. If it hadn't takin' this machine to complete a deal for one
of the last machines on the wanted list, this is one of a few woodrails that one day I would have had set up..
The plastics were the only thing bad on the machine, which I did get replacements. She'll be leaving in a couple of
weeks, so I thought I'd place her here. This one is also going to a Fella that's now retired and he remembers having
one as a teenager, so I'm happy for him..
And BTW, if I got in a Grand Champ, I think that's one of a few I'd keep and set up. I don't remember seeing another
themed pin like it..
Quoted from Mopar:So fortunate that the backglass was saved. Without it, that's a title that would have been tough to reveal..
That was very fortunate. I probably would have found out sooner or later what the title was because I remembered the bull with prize ribbon on the backglass and the 1st Prize, 2nd Prize, 3rd Prize and Grand Champion ribbon trap holes. Don't think there are many games like this one.
Quoted from Mopar:Be nice to see more once you have it up and running..
It fires up but isn't 100% yet. The playfield needs to be carefully cleaned then waxed before I can try playing a game. New rubbers are on the way from PBR. So excited!
The flippers and pops surprised me when I actuated them. They feel so powerful that I'm going to see if this game is high tapped or stronger coils being used.
The flippers, kickers and bumpers were so slow and weak on the first one I bought for $30 that I thought it was the norm for old games. Now I know better.
Quoted from Mopar:This one is also going to a Fella that's now retired and he remembers having
one as a teenager, so I'm happy for him..
Sentimental value is the best. It's priceless. 
Quoted from Mopar:I don't remember seeing another
themed pin like it..
Yeah it's a pretty unique pin with the 10 trap holes. I haven't learned what the different combinations of trap holes award yet. Harry Williams designed it and you know what an innovative designer he was. I really like George Molentin's art. It makes me smile.
Well, haven't had any luck finding a home for the Bally Triumph in a Beauty cabinet as a project machine. So thought today I would see if I could get it working, then clean it up and hopefully then find a home for it. Well to my surprise it looks like the electrical is a total mess. Among other things: There is one more 11 pin male jones plug (2 total) then there are female jones receptacles of any size. There are no 11 pin female receptacles. The back box has three female jones receptacles, the middle being 10 pin. There is not a 10 pin male connector. Among a few other weird issues. See pics. Any suggestions on what is going on, and what do I do with this mess? Did I get a Beauty cabinet, and cabinet electrical? At this point I am seriously considering the parting out or "coffee table" options.
Update: just found a Pin hobbyist buyer today who has a better electrical background that I do, and who didn't mind the different cabinet. Hopefully he can get it working. But if anyone has any ideas about what is up with the electrical in this game, I would he happy to pass the info along to the buyer.
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Looking for a 1933/34 Contact pinball game from Pacific Amusements. Designed by Harry Williams.
If you could please PM me if you have one for sale or know of one!
Thank you!
I acquired these 3 over the weekend, thanks to Tim Leonard, really looking forward to working on these and having them in a special woodrail section at the Vancouver Flipout in September.
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I still have my 1951 Gottlieb Minstrel Man for sale. I don't have it listed here anymore but I still have it. Current price is $1500 but I'd listen to offers. I'm in the Milwaukee area. I can provide pictures if needed. The game is working and in decent original condition.
Thanks,
Dave
Crossword looks like a really cool melding of Bingo pinball and classic pinball. The letter matrix seems somewhat equivalent of a bingo card.
Very cool game! Never seen it before.
Quoted from cait001:Crossword looks like a really cool melding of Bingo pinball and classic pinball. The letter matrix seems somewhat equivalent of a bingo card.
Very cool game! Never seen it before.
1959 Bally 'Crosswords'.
Dennis, I hadn't noticed in other pics that it uses the coin entrance from the one balls! (Or maybe I just forgot) Nickle vacuum. Very neat.
Quoted from Vic_Camp:Beautiful game Dennis.....cabinet shape is awesome too!
Thanks Vic. It came from Phil Hooper's collection many years ago.
Quoted from bingopodcast:Dennis, I hadn't noticed in other pics that it uses the coin entrance from the one balls! (Or maybe I just forgot) Nickle vacuum. Very neat.
Yup. Maybe they had some left over.
Quoted from DennisDodel:Thanks Vic. It came from Phil Hooper's collection many years ago.
I should add that Phil took all of the proceeds of this sale, and a few other games as I remember, and donated it to the relief fund after the 1989 Northern California earthquake. (He lives in the area) One of the nicest and most generous people you will ever meet.
At the same time, Williams announced that they would donate a portion of every Earthshaker! sale to the relief fund. That game had been released earlier in the year. I believe that the late, great Steve Kordek originated this idea.
Quoted from DennisDodel:1959 Bally 'Crosswords'.
So funny Dennis...I almost posted pics of "Spelling Bee", which is the other version of this unique game when I saw cait001 comment too! I have one of those, but it's in the project pile, and not nearly as good looking as yours...well done!!
)
Oh what the hell...here's mine. I will certainly keep in mind you have this game when I get around to restoring it...
Quoted from jrpinball:Oh, the humanity!
ebay.com link » Pinball Lucky Lady Coffee Table 1954 Lights Up
Sigh...Lady Luck. Not that it matters anymore...friggin idiots.
This one wasn't so lucky...lol
Quoted from Stoomer:So funny Dennis...I almost posted pics of "Spelling Bee", which is the other version of this unique game when I saw cait001 comment too! I have one of those, but it's in the project pile, and not nearly as good looking as yours...well done!!
Oh what the hell...here's mine. I will certainly keep in mind you have this game when I get around to restoring it...
Thanks for posting the Spelling Bee photos.
Does your game not have a replay register? The backglass photo is dark and it is hard to tell if it is there or not.
If there is no register, that would help explain the puzzler as to why all of the Spelling Bees I have seen have replay registers and have exactly the same game play as Crosswords. Even the tags in the heads are labeled "Crosswords".
I am just guessing that some Crosswords may have Spelling Bee glasses with the replay window scraped open.
Could you please note the serial number on your game? Thanks.
Hoping that your game does not have the register. That would make Spelling Bee a true non-replay game.
The side of the cabinet is stamped #5131.....could this be the serial number.
Is that some kind of extra coin lot located on the left front corner of the cabinet. could it be for some kind of hopper payout?
Are the posts metal,chrome or nickel?
I think the spelling bee will clean up nicely and look very good after putting some time into the game.
The Crosswords doesn't look like there are any large payouts. What is the most amount of replays a player can win in one game?
Quoted from DennisDodel:Thanks for posting the Spelling Bee photos.
Does your game not have a replay register? The backglass photo is dark and it is hard to tell if it is there or not.
If there is no register, that would help explain the puzzler as to why all of the Spelling Bees I have seen have replay registers and have exactly the same game play as Crosswords. Even the tags in the heads are labeled "Crosswords".
I am just guessing that some Crosswords may have Spelling Bee glasses with the replay window scraped open.
Could you please note the serial number on your game? Thanks.
Hoping that your game does not have the register. That would make Spelling Bee a true non-replay game.
I will check when I get home on the replay register...now you got me curious.
Looking at IPDB, the one game that has all the pics from has mis-matching cabinet and head serial numbers...leading credence to your swapping parts theory...and I see that one has a replay window. Now I'm extra excited about checking this at home later! :oD
I also want to check that tag in the backbox(if it's there), hoping it says Spelling Bee.
I'm surprised I already hadn't posted the SN to the IPSND, I have many submissions on there...but I just looked and only the two are from Jay's pics on IPDB and listed with those two numbers. I don't remember there being a SN on the cab...only high up on the head, which you can see(but not read) in the one pic. So there's ANOTHER thing to look for...I might have to leave early!! I love pin-sleuthing... )
Quoted from Vic_Camp:The side of the cabinet is stamped #5131.....could this be the serial number.
Is that some kind of extra coin lot located on the left front corner of the cabinet. could it be for some kind of hopper payout?
Are the posts metal,chrome or nickel?
I think the spelling bee will clean up nicely and look very good after putting some time into the game.
The Crosswords doesn't look like there are any large payouts. What is the most amount of replays a player can win in one game?
The SN you're can't quite read is S1258 - I will post this along with a closer pic on IPSND later...
I'll also try to investigate the hopper Vic...stay tuned.
Sean
Quoted from Vic_Camp:Is that some kind of extra coin lot located on the left front corner of the cabinet. could it be for some kind of hopper payout?
Good eye Vic. Looks like a Bally payout cup to me.
Quoted from Vic_Camp:The Crosswords doesn't look like there are any large payouts. What is the most amount of replays a player can win in one game?
I implemented both as replay games per the photos on IPDB for Spelling Bee. Very interested to hear your results, Sean. Wonder if Spelling Bee was made in replay and payout versions?
Quoted from jrpinball:Oh, the humanity!
ebay.com link » Pinball Lucky Lady Coffee Table 1954 Lights Up
That one hurts. Lady Luck is one of my favorite woodrails, and I could really use the playfield off that one, especially since it's within driving distance.
If they got halfway realistic about the price I'd probably overpay them for it. 1299.99? You think they'd be insulted if I suggest they knock $1000 off the price?
I would offer them another playfield to install in the table plus some cash for the Lady Luck playfield. Maybe they will go for that. Then they can sell the table with the newly install playfield in it. Maybe a nice looking woodrail 1950's bingo playfield would look awesome in their table or another less sought after playfield.
Its such a waste to see that nice condition Lady Luck playfield inserted into that table, when it belongs in a game shopped out and playing like a champ.
You have nothing to lose if you talk to them and try to somehow come up with a deal to get that playfield.
Quoted from Vic_Camp:I would offer them another playfield to install in the table plus some cash for the Lady Luck playfield. Maybe they will go for that. Then they can sell the table with the newly install playfield in it. Maybe a nice looking woodrail 1950's bingo playfield would look awesome in their table or another less sought after playfield.
Its such a waste to see that nice condition Lady Luck playfield inserted into that table, when it belongs in a game shopped out and playing like a champ.
You have nothing to lose if you talk to them and try to somehow come up with a deal to get that playfield.
The swap occurred to me too. I sent them an email with an offer and included that idea. Let's see what happens. The other wild card is what the underside of the play field looks like and what's still attached. The fact that it's being lit with a string of Christmas tree lights isn't a real good sign.
Quoted from Stoomer:Quoted from DennisDodel:
1959 Bally 'Crosswords'.So funny Dennis...I almost posted pics of "Spelling Bee", which is the other version of this unique game when I saw cait001 comment too! I have one of those, but it's in the project pile, and not nearly as good looking as yours...well done!!
Oh what the hell...here's mine. I will certainly keep in mind you have this game when I get around to restoring it...
thank you all for sharing these, such lovely games!
Quoted from Stoomer:I will check when I get home on the replay register...now you got me curious.
Looking at IPDB, the one game that has all the pics from has mis-matching cabinet and head serial numbers...leading credence to your swapping parts theory...and I see that one has a replay window. Now I'm extra excited about checking this at home later! :oD
I also want to check that tag in the backbox(if it's there), hoping it says Spelling Bee.
I'm surprised I already hadn't posted the SN to the IPSND, I have many submissions on there...but I just looked and only the two are from Jay's pics on IPDB and listed with those two numbers. I don't remember there being a SN on the cab...only high up on the head, which you can see(but not read) in the one pic. So there's ANOTHER thing to look for...I might have to leave early!! I love pin-sleuthing...The SN you're can't quite read is S1258 - I will post this along with a closer pic on IPSND later...
I'll also try to investigate the hopper Vic...stay tuned.
Sean
Sorry it took so long to get back to this...it turned out to be a busy weekend.
Vic: Those posts are plastic and silver painted...disappointing! )
I could find no tags inside the machine that list it as Crosswords or Spelling Bee - the mice have been at some of the labels, and that maybe one that got shredded. However, it does have mismatched SNs between the head and cabinet, just like the SB that Jay Stafford lists on IPDB.
It also has a replay counter - someone spray-painted the window over on the back-side in black, and somehow got lucky with their sloppy drizzle that ran between the letters...I'd never get that lucky. lol
It looks like all the parts for the payout mechanism that Vic spotted are still there and not original. The added wires that run to the mech that pushes coins into the hopper were definitely added anf only appear to come out of original wires bundles.
So I think this game was originally sold as a replay game, but someone converted it to a payout machine...
I wonder if the posts were painted silver from the factory. I noticed that the game Dennis has also has silver post.
Thanks for the pictures and information. Cool game for sure, but not sure how well it did on route with small payouts.
Quoted from wayner:The path of that black paint run is just incredible!
Haha...that's what I said - I'd never get that lucky!! )
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Kent, WA
Abbotsford, BC
