Article in the Independent

[treefrog]

Came across this interesting article in the Independent from 1995.....It is mainly based around the low numbers of people interested in collecting vending slots at the time, compared to gaming and amusement machines collectors. It is quite interesting that the estimates given at that time I am sure these are similar to today's prices.....let's hope this changes longer term. I wonder if some of the collectors mentioned are still around.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-enter ... 18394.html

[ilovemyjukebox]

Big Dave most certainly is and is probably a member of this group.. I was lucky enough to buy a crane from him last year
and he showed me his fantastic collection of coin operated equipment...

[badpenny]

It's not just vending machine prices that haven't changed very much since then. With the exception of some obvious quality, highly sought after machines a lot of slots today are still not far from the prices asked in the mid 90s.
Good in some respects - not in others

[grabber]

1995 was a long time ago.
When are they going to do the next article?

[coin-op]

With the exception of some obvious quality, highly sought after machines a lot of slots today are still not far from the prices asked in the mid 90s.

Wish I could say even that about the TV I bought back then; it just wasn't the investment I'd hoped for But seriously, it all carries just the same twists and turns as anything else in life, so it comes down to the small print 'your investment can go down as well as up'...and really, are you buying to enjoy or in the expectation that it will go all up.

[jimmycowman]

if only there was a time machine and go back to 1971 when alot of penny machines got smashed up or go back to steve hunts auctions in their hey day, saying that the coventry ones are good

[treefrog]

Funny thing is, I genuinely do not think of my hobby (or obsession) as an investment. This is often proved by the ridiculous purchases I sometimes make. I suppose the most we want is not to lose out too much. I do wonder though who the next collectors will be. I only got into this two years ago, but had always been interested in slots since a kid and am not from the microprocessor age. Most youngsters today have never touched a mechanical amusement machine, having said that I am sure there will always be a interest in nostalgia side of things.

Also what drives these things is fashion. During the 90's and noughties was minimalism. A manky old wooden slot or tacky chrome bandit would have been out of place in most up and coming homes. What happens when an interest in fifties nostalgia comes back and it surely will.....these things turn round every decade or so.

[bryans fan]

I only got into this two years ago, but had always been interested in slots since a kid and am not from the microprocessor age.

My what a busy frog you have been in two years! I recall reading in the New Years post " What now ?" that you had reached 50 machines.

[treefrog]

What now ?" that you had reached 50 machines

Perhaps a larger lilly pad to display and store them