Uncle Sam Penny fortune

[gameswat]

I didn't spot this on German eBay but was just told about it today by Bob Klepner. Sadly too late to buy it as already sold. But what a stunning and rare British machine!!

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Wahrsageautomat- ... 7675.l2557

[grabber]

any idea of the maker
i've never seen one not even in books

[john t peterson]

What a cutie! I can only guess how that got that photo of me.

J Peterson
American Philosopher

[gameswat]

Just came across this description from Pinball Player magazine of the Sotheby's Chester auction 4th June 1986: "The outstanding bids (inc commission) were 500 pounds for an early horoscope spinner 'Uncle Sam' " There were 46 lots and 3/4 of them sold to a foreign phone bidder.

[pennymachines]

Here's the image from the Sotheby's catalogue, 4th June, 1986:

Lot 151 An 'Uncle Sam's Philosophy' Gaming Machine, early 20th Century, 'Consultation fee 1d.', wooden case with brass coin slot to top, round central face with lithographed paper disc, philosophical advice, personal traits and predictions indicated by finger of black figure lithographed on inner spinning disc, good condition, 47cm; 18½in high.

Hammer £500

[gameswat]

Thanks PM, exactly the same machine. In a later Pinball Player magazine they stated a collector in Switzerland was the major phone bidder at that auction spending 11,000 pounds!