Up for Auction: Sputnik Arcade Game, Gypsy Fortuneteller

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Up for Auction: Sputnik Arcade Game, Gypsy Fortuneteller

October 12, 2013 by Tricia

Coin-Op “Sputnik” Space-Themed Skill Game. Victorian Casino Antique Auction, Oct 13, 2013

Vintage arcade games and coin-op fortunetelling machines are among the collectibles on the auction block this weekend at Victorian Casino Antiques in Las Vegas. Online bidding is already underway for the October 12-13 sale. A number of the items like this very rare Sputnik Journey into Space-themed machine have strong graphic appeal. The arcade game was inspired by Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite. Launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, the Earth orbiting satellite began the Space Age and triggered the Space Race with the U.S. The countertop game (Lot #1151) was manufactured in the UK in the 1950s by Parker’s Automatic Supplies. It works with a large British penny and approximately 30 coins are included in the lot.

According to a post on the Penny Machines Forum, “Parker’s Automatic Supplies Ltd. were established in Rhyl in 1947 by Solomon Parker in order to supply new machines for the Parker-owned Black Cat Arcade on the promenade. They copied and improved upon existing designs and started to supply machines to other operators on a small scale. Their machines had a good reputation for reliability, had colourful, expressive backflashes and attractive veneered cases.”

The coin-op “Esmeralda” type fortune teller machine (Lot #688) is equipped with an Edison Cylinder Player and in working condition with keys. The manufacturer of this very old, rare machine is unknown. The starting bid is $10,000.