BMCo Little Marvel/Wonder identified

[geofflove]

Haven't done much machine-wise for a few months as been busy. And have no space for another! But when I came across this beauty I couldn't resist. I believe it's a BMCo 7 cup from the 20s/30s. but someone my know more. Looks very unmolested apart from I assume the locks being changed at some point. Gorgeous oak and really feels a quality piece in beautiful condition. The cabinet fit is perfect and is real craftsmanship.
The history that goes with it is that it apparently some time ago it sat in the office of a mill owner for over 30 years (don't know where) where he would play it when he had a spare few mins.
A lovely piece but space prob won't allow it be be a keeper however Nice to enjoy if only briefly though.

[john t peterson]

A beautiful unmolested BM Co. game. A suggestion, Geofflove: Move the TV and add this to the wall next to the clock.

J Peterson
Interior designer, USA

[arrgee]

Lovely looking machine Geoff, seems to have had its internal brass cleaned up (I have not seen one of these old machines with such clean internal metalwork). I believe BMco called this variant the Little Wonder and with its top lock and lift out door suggests an early machine. BMco also produced a 7 cup auto payout machine with a totally different mechanism and differently designed playfield but with the 7 cups in the same positions. This 'coin repeat' machine was called the Lucky Star.

[geofflove]

Thanks - there are some small, filled holes on the top suggesting a top flash was fitted originally or at some point.

[sentimental salvage]

Lovely looking machine Geoff, seems to have had its internal brass cleaned up (I have not seen one of these old machines with such clean internal metalwork). I believe BMco called this variant the Little Wonder and with its top lock and lift out door suggests an early machine. BMco also produced a 7 cup auto payout machine with a totally different mechanism and differently designed playfield but with the 7 cups in the same positions. This 'coin repeat' machine was called the Lucky Star.

Excellent ! I have some of those 7 cup machines and have always wondered what they were called. Thanks

[pennymachines]

There's a picture of the Little Marvel, complete with top sign in the Bolland's Catalogue.

[13rebel]

Arrgee mentioned another 7 cup BMCo called Lucky Star with an automatic pay out. This one is a manual version on halfpenny play.

[arrgee]

Interesting door 13rebel, I have not seen a BMCo with such a large radius to the inner top part of the door frame, or the sculptural elements above them.

[rbbrown2448]

Hi. Love your BMCo Little Marvel. I've not long started to collect penny arcade machines. This one has a lot of fond memories for me as a child. Coming from a seaside town I spent many hours spending my hard earned money on machines like this, so I've been keeping an eye out for sales of similar ones. One sold last weekend on Elephant Auctions but was not in very good condition. Yours in great condition.
Regards Roger

[pennymachines]

BMCos with this cup layout were named both Little Marvel and Little Wonder.