French Horse Race Game

[hottoddy]

Hello Fellow Collectors,

I hope someone here can possibly identify this machine I recently found . I'm also looking for someone who might know where I can find some parts. I've seen similar games/machines but not in this style table. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers,
Tod

[coppinpr]

This is a small version of the casino machine "Le Jeu des Petits Chevaux" made in France in the 1880s. These smaller versions are exactly the same as far as case design, fittings and mech as the big 9 horse versions. They were popular exports to the USA where they appeared about 1890 for use in small, often illegal, gambling joints. Its usual English name is "The French Race Game". It is of course very rare, very expensive and impossible to find spares for. There are photos of the big version in Bueschel's book Vintage Trade Simulators and Counter Games. I suspect parts can and have been made in the USA. Contact the coin operated machines web site in the US, they will be able to help. I'll find the web address and post it later.

[coppinpr]

This is the site most likely to be able to help with spares:
http://coinopcollectorforum.com/

[hottoddy]

Thank you Coppinpr for the much needed information. I had no idea that it could be that old. I assume that these games only had 1 horse per lane as opposed to others that I've seen with as many as 6 horses per lane. It would be great to see a complete machine to find out what I'm missing. Thanks again for your time.