Improved Pickwick variants
Re: Cresset Pickwick
Thanks for the picture daveslot. I'm now thinking the same as Mr PM as to why it was altered. Looks to have been done some time ago and doesn't affect the appearance, so still happy enough with it. I arranged a courier today, so hopefully it will be here early next week.
Re: Cresset Pickwick
The machine finally arrived today and is in pretty good shape. Also, surprisingly in full working order, even though the auction description stated otherwise. I've not had a chance to look it over fully so most likely I will have a few more questions. It seems quite mean that you only get one go for a penny given that it is almost impossible to win. Should there be more than one ball?
Re: Cresset Pickwick
I had this apart at the weekend and all is in pretty good order. Plays fine. I need to source another ball, if anyone can suggest an alternative. It has, like I initially thought, been cut away to accommodate the coin mechanism. I would be interested to see what it should look like. I think maybe the large magnet on the side has been added. Also, it has what looks like part of a pump at the top of the door inside. I can't see what it would have done.
Re: Cresset Pickwick
I have managed to source a replacement ball should anyone be in the same situation. The answer was staring me in the face - I found an old clay marble from a solitaire set I put together some time ago. These are readily available and come in varying weights and sizes - works perfect and looks authentic.
1912 Improved Pickwick
Topic merged - Site Admin.
Would anyone know how it is possible to refill the copper tube of tokens on a c.1912 Improved Pickwick ball catcher please? It seems sealed all the way through, and no access at the top as it is tight against the plinth?
Thanks in anticipation.
Would anyone know how it is possible to refill the copper tube of tokens on a c.1912 Improved Pickwick ball catcher please? It seems sealed all the way through, and no access at the top as it is tight against the plinth?
Thanks in anticipation.
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Re: 1912 Improved Pickwick
OK, so I don't have one of these to hand but consulting JP's Pickwick Poltergeist article, he says:
I suspect that's your answer - undo the wing nut and I think you'll find you can drop the tokens down a hole at the top.j t peterson wrote:...the Pickwick playfield was constructed so that it could be removed quickly and another perhaps more appealing (newer) playfield could be swapped in. Shown left, is the playfield removed. There is one wing-nut on the bottom holding the game-field in place. An exchange of playfields would take less than one minute.
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Re: 1912 Improved Pickwick
Thanks, Mr. PM. You saved me the time and effort of digging my machine out of storage.
J Peterson
Storage rat in America
J Peterson
Storage rat in America
Re: 1912 Improved Pickwick
Because god forbid your collection should see the light of day this decade!?john t peterson wrote: ↑Wed Dec 12, 2018 7:01 pm You saved me the time and effort of digging my machine out of storage.
Re: 1912 Improved Pickwick
Many thanks for the clarification. I'll have a look at mine and see if the 'mechanism' can easily be separated from the case.
I suspect not that easily as there is a cast strut across the centre of the works which is screwed to the inside of one of the rear 'planks'.
As such would need to remove that first to undo the screw.
I believe there were many (14+) variations of the Pickwick/Cressett design and all are bound to be slightly different with individual idiosyncrasies?
I suspect not that easily as there is a cast strut across the centre of the works which is screwed to the inside of one of the rear 'planks'.
As such would need to remove that first to undo the screw.
I believe there were many (14+) variations of the Pickwick/Cressett design and all are bound to be slightly different with individual idiosyncrasies?
Re: 1912 Improved Pickwick
I seem to remember a lot I've seen were later revamps of original Pickwick machines, pretty sure the Cresset a friend had was such. I honestly can't remember how I refilled the tokens on my Pickwick but there certainly was a way it came apart into separate pieces by loosening some screws or bolts.
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Look what I found
Topic merged - Site Admin.
I brought this Pickwick home today. It appears to be complete and working apart from only having one ball. (I set up the jokes, you supply the punchlines).
More when I’ve examined it more carefully.
I brought this Pickwick home today. It appears to be complete and working apart from only having one ball. (I set up the jokes, you supply the punchlines).
More when I’ve examined it more carefully.
Re: Look what I found
Nice find Attic, classic elegant machines these Pickwick's. And seems to be in nice unmolested original cond. When I got mine the previous owner had already had a go at "restoring", sadly he didn't know what he was doing at the time and hacked the wood with an 80 grit rotary sander!! Then stripped off the old nickel and highly polished the brass and lacquered, then to finish threw away the aged cloth to replace with brand new! The wood was so badly scoured that he had to almost black stain the whole thing to hide the marks. Underneath was the most stunning tiger striped oak I've ever had to this day. When he saw the finished cabinet a week later he nearly fell over at the transformation and realising how badly he'd treated it 20 years earlier.
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Re: Look what I found
Thank you gameswat. Yes it does appear to be complete, unmolested and original. I have been thinking carefully about cosmetic restoration and for the time being I’ll limit it to a gentle wipe with a soft cloth. The key is missing of course so currently the innards are only accessible from the back. I’ve taken a few photos and if anyone has a similar model I’d appreciate photos of the correct mechanical configuration. Also if anyone thinks something is missing I’d like to hear.
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Re: Look what I found
I’ve decided to sell this Pickwick rather than restoring it myself. I’ve just brought home a classic pinball machine that will take up all my efforts for the summer. What should I ask for it? Any advice gratefully received.
Re: Look what I found
You should search the Arena, as Pennymachine takes the time to capture as many results from sales.... These machines seem to go for between £700 to £750 less commission. One did sell at £1600 at and auction 3 years ago, but wild sales will always happen....
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Re: Look what I found
Sadly these wonderful early machines seem to have fallen out of favour in recent times, and are not so highly regarded as they should be. This is due in part to people collecting what they remember from their childhood, and has been discussed before. You really need two people who are after one!
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