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Hello, I am new to the group and just purchased this game at an Estate Sale for Robin Leach from his house in California. I can only find a similar pic of one that was a cigar trade stimulator. It still has some of the original fortune cards still in it. Can any one give me info such as maker and date of manufacturing? Someone in one of my other groups thought it may have been a tribute to Haley's Comet in 1910 and possibly made by Haydon & Urry, but I can't find any pics of it.. Thank you in advance...

Your machine was indeed made by Haydon & Urry, c.1895 and is called Tivoli. None of the paperwork and graphics on the machine and playfield are original. The machine is not a fortune teller.
A coin successfully aimed at the centre column would have dispensed a card, which would then have been redeemed for a cigar. Coins falling into the outer columns would be returned.

Here's what it should look like......

Thank you... Now I know why I cant find one like it.. I grew up watching his show and thought it would be cool to have a piece associated with him....Did it take an English 1 cent piece ?

This guy??

BP

Yes....

Does the conversion itself have any historical merit? Could it be inspired by the 1910 'space' mania?

james eno wrote: ↑Mon Oct 14, 2019 11:40 pm Did it take an English 1 cent piece ?

It would have taken the old British penny.
Well done on your acquisition. I assume you bought it at reserve, because Clars Auction Gallery listed it as 'passed'.

James, I'd certainly leave it just as it is if it were mine as the revamped artwork is charming and obviously old.

brigham wrote: ↑Tue Oct 15, 2019 8:40 am Does the conversion itself have any historical merit? Could it be inspired by the 1910 'space' mania?

A member in another group thought maybe something to do with Haley's Comet that passed by in 1910... but no idea if any connection.

pennymachines wrote: ↑Tue Oct 15, 2019 3:55 pm I assume you bought it at reserve, because Clars Auction Gallery listed it as 'passed'.

I was actually surprised I got it... Put a reserve bid in for $425 and figured it would go for more.. Got a message saying I won the bid...

gameswat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 15, 2019 8:03 pm James, I'd certainly leave it just as it is if it were mine as the revamped artwork is charming and obviously old.

Defiantly will... I love it the way it is...

Related patents found in the Archive: CH11088, 1898 and GB190020811, 1901.

Thank you so much... I appreciate this info.