Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
A friend in the States has purchased this robot fortune teller but he has no knowledge of its history I wonder if anyone can shed light on it.
- badpenny
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Re: Robot Fortune Teller
Worryingly all I can concern myself with is........ Do you stand facing it or sit in it?
Either way you stand to lose more than your concentration.
Either way you stand to lose more than your concentration.
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Re: Robot Fortune Teller
Interesting find.
My guess is that this was produced by one of John George Brenner's companies (active from the '30s-'50s), such as Original Machine Manufacturers Ltd. of Southend. Does it have any markings on it? J Brenner built a number of metal-constructed, floor-standing, fortune tellers in various 'future-science' guises. Comparing the card vending mech to that of a known Brenner machine might confirm this.
Edit to add: Consulting Arcades & Slot Machines, I see Original Machine Manufacturers Ltd. made a fortune teller called Robot King in 1935.
My guess is that this was produced by one of John George Brenner's companies (active from the '30s-'50s), such as Original Machine Manufacturers Ltd. of Southend. Does it have any markings on it? J Brenner built a number of metal-constructed, floor-standing, fortune tellers in various 'future-science' guises. Comparing the card vending mech to that of a known Brenner machine might confirm this.
Edit to add: Consulting Arcades & Slot Machines, I see Original Machine Manufacturers Ltd. made a fortune teller called Robot King in 1935.
- john t peterson
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Re: Magic Robot Impressionist
What a fabulous piece of whimsy. See if your friend can supply more pictures for us including close-up shots of the card mechanism.
- slotalot
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Re: Magic Robot Impressionist
It looks to me as if the cards were dispensed from a roll would love to know more
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Re: Magic Robot Impressionist
That's another reason Brenner comes to mind. I once owned a Brenner White Magic fortune teller. From memory, it had a similar step-in metal box cabinet with vertical grip poles and a paper roll-dispensing mechanism. I still have the roll.
Edit to add old Poloaroid of Brenner White Magic.
Notice the identical lower half with swing out access panel and card dispensing aperture.
White Magic dates from 1946. I think the Magic Robot is a bit earlier.
Edit to add old Poloaroid of Brenner White Magic.
Notice the identical lower half with swing out access panel and card dispensing aperture.
White Magic dates from 1946. I think the Magic Robot is a bit earlier.
- slotalot
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Re: Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
I have just re-found this old photo that I got from the back of the internet at some time or other. Thought to be on Blackpool prom,1939...ish???
Not sure of maker
Not sure of maker
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Re: Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
This one was telling fortunes in Selfridges, London around 1934.
They used to draw a crowd, didn't they?
They used to draw a crowd, didn't they?
Re: Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
They used to have one of these in the Wonderland arcade in Southend.
I spoke to the new owner about 5 years ago who binned it!
I spoke to the new owner about 5 years ago who binned it!
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Re: Brenner Magic Robot Impressionist identified
It will be interesting to see how he does at Morphy Auctions on Saturday 14th with all the other tin robots. Estimate $5,000 - $10,000.
I see the vendor has gone with the Original Machine Manufacturers attribution.
Edit on 28th to add - item not sold...
I see the vendor has gone with the Original Machine Manufacturers attribution.
Edit on 28th to add - item not sold...
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