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Strength Testers Imitating strikers and similar games of strength whose history is as old as the fairground itself, coin-operated strength testers first appeared with Robert William Page's patent of 1885. By measuring a force applied to a spring or counter-weight, they were in principle similar to weighing scales, although not required to be as accurate. They came in many shapes and sizes, and were very popular in the hard living, working class culture of the industrial age. An alternative to arm wrestling, they could be used to settle wagers or impress the opposite sex with demonstrations of physical prowess. |
Push the bike up the hill by blowing down the tube. "Strength of lungs indicated by number of miles travelled. TWENTY SHILLINGS REWARD WILL BE PAID ON CONVICTION OF ANY PERSON PLACING RUBBISH IN THE SLOT OR OTHERWISE DAMAGING THIS MACHINE" reads the little notice. Were it on site today, players might demand considerably more in compensation for damages sustained from using it. Lung-testers (or spirometers) made a brief appearance in bars and other public establishments before being implicated in the spread of TB. B Bates |
Quested Automatics Ltd., 1932  Click image to enlarge |
Charles Ahrens, Circa 1930 Click image to enlarge |
Mechanical Trading Company |
Try your wrist strength against the brawny sailor by hauling the ship's wheel to the right. Turn it far enough and you win your penny back Sadly, no examples of this charming little wall machine have come to light yet. Ell, |
