Searching for old pals

Somebody knows... Maybe you?
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roger
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Searching for old pals

Post by roger »

Have any of these guys ever visited the U.K. or established permanent residency ??
Years ago I had 2 in my collection and even featured them on my business card. Unfortunately, this was prior to coin-op books and I did not appreciate what I had.
They were born circa 1900, so they may be long since dead and buried... !!DIG!!

I have noted that not many large arcade machines appear in U.K. auctions... Is this due to cost, lack of space, or just no interest? Arcade machines in the U.S. have really caught on and really command big bucks. I have never seen a picture of a Mickey Finn inside a U.K. arcade.
I would appreciate any information you may have or even your comments. ROGER !!COOEE!! :tarah: :byee:


MICKEY FINN ROPE PULL (strength machine)
CAILLE BROS. U.S.A. (circa 1900)
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moonriver
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by moonriver »

I'll respond Roger, as it looks like no one else was going to......
I think it's rare to find either here. There are of course exceptions, but pretty scarce.
As far as operating larger antique arcade machines over here we had our own manufacturers to supply us, such as Ahrens Grand Marathon Cycle Race, Firefighters, and English Execution, and the many large cased fortune tellers by many different manufacturers.
Sadly probably more of ours got shipped out to you throughout the 90's than the other way round.
So, we'd like them back please, preferably without all the added American embellishments. |/XX\|
pennymachines
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by pennymachines »

roger wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 12:00 am I have noted that not many large arcade machines appear in U.K. auctions... Is this due to cost, lack of space, or just no interest?
It's true collectors tend to be pushed for space, but when classic arcade machines do turn up at auction here, they attract plenty of interest. British-made games are particularly prized, unsurprisingly, and tend to be rarer than their American counterparts because they were not made in such great numbers. And, as moonriver points out, quite a few were shipped to your country before there was much collector interest here.

Caille Bros. made some wonderful machines, but personally I don't think the Mickey Finn Rope Pull was one of them. I've not seen one 'in the flesh', but although it looks quirky, I think it's ungainly, inelegant and ugly. Strength testers are not the most exciting games, but some have great presence and visual appeal.
roger
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Re: Searching for old pals...INSULTED

Post by roger »

Dear MR "P".............I just heard that you called me "ungainly, inelegant, and ugly".

SO WHO ARE YOU.....SEAN CONNERY ??????

!NYAH! !NYAH! Mr. Mickey Finn
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john t peterson
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by john t peterson »

Cool your jets, Mr. Mickey Finn. You are one of the few who make Alfred E. Newman look like Clark Gable by comparison.

J Peterson
Hollywood, USA
roger
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Hansome "Mickey Finn"

Post by roger »

The passing of Ken Rubin made me think of "Mickey Finn Rope Pull" since I had sold him one of mine. It will probably show up in Ken''s collection if and when it comes up for auction.
MickeyStrengthTester_lg.jpg
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You will note that Mr. P. finds these cute little guys "UGLY" despite that they routinely sell in the $10,000 range.

I have posted this recent picture of Mickey in hopes that Mr. P. will rethink his evaluation of this prized collectible.

You should remember that Mickey was born circa 1900 and I doubt that Mr. P. will look this good when he is 120 years old. ...ROGER
pennymachines
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by pennymachines »

That's exactly how I expect to look when I'm 120 but I hope it doesn't cost me $10,000. :shock:
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coppinpr
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by coppinpr »

I've always wondered if there is a link between the micky finn face and the Alfred e Newman face
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tim575
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by tim575 »

I disagree with Mr PM ugly assessment of poor Mickey Finn. It has character. Mine is a proud greeter of friends at the front door of my arcade in the hills of the US Sierra mountains with his quirky smile...In reference to Moonriver lamenting the machines that shipped across the pond I guess we just valued having them more than their local supporters and possibly saved them from an even worse fate... and dispite the suggestion to reverse that trend, I have absolutely no plans to send my Jolly Firefighters or English Execution back... Not sure if anyone noted the hidden devil that makes an appearance if you are strong enough...
But, as far as 'small' vs 'large' arcade games, Mickey is still puny compared to my Chicago Coin 4 player derby game :D
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treefrog
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by treefrog »

One of the biggest problems in the UK, our houses tend to be much smaller than your average US pad. As such, we are limited on what items can be collected, as such small wall machines and one arm bandits are the limit for most… Boy, if I had the space I would fill it with large arcade machines. :cool:

Also in the past there seemed to be a hell of a lot more cash out there in the US in the slot collectors' world... Having said that, many a British machine goes unnoticed still and sells for a lot less than it would here……

Just waiting for the lottery win to build my own Monte Carlo casino. :cool:
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tim575
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by tim575 »

Yup, things are super sized in much of the US, although only out in the rural areas when it comes to land area. I would never have had enough room for any of this in a city apartment, although maybe a pinball could go in an apartment living room at the expense of no couch. Even with a big door we had to take apart the Derby to get it inside. It set the limit for how big I can go, and US doors are big as we have to get our super sized kitchen fridge in, you know the one that holds 2 weeks of food from that super sized grocery outlet... :lol:
roger
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Mickey checked out...

Post by roger »

SHADY PINES 1/25/24

Embed from Getty Images

Now you know why I sold one of my "Mickey Finn Rope Pulls"
ROGER
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john t peterson
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Re: Searching for old pals

Post by john t peterson »

I like the way you converted your Windsor chairs into stools, Roger. Clever.

J Peterson
Stoolin' around, USA
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