2581

RARE "PLAY BALL" TRADE STIMULATOR

Currency:USD Category:Dolls & Bears / Dolls Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,000.00 USD
RARE  PLAY BALL  TRADE STIMULATOR
RARE "PLAY BALL" TRADE STIMULATOR. One of only a few known to exist, this early oak trade stimulator is attributed to Waddel, circa 1894. Actually slightly larger than a "Play Ball" machine, it features a large tombstone design and curved glass front and works similar in principle to a penny drop machine, but instead of money, the customer would be given a steel ball to drop through a pin playing field that randomly guides the steel ball to a numbered hole below. When the steel ball falls through a numbered hole, a corresponding numbered tab "pops-up" to record the "score" (number of cigars the customer was to receive). The steel ball would then continue through to a corresponding horizontal groove, above the cash drawer, that is incremented with a paper label (some have been replaced) to record the play. This machine is a unique combination of trade stimulator, cash register, and inventory control that is exemplary of early American Ingenuity at it's best. Early time the cash register drawer is opened, to give the customer a steel ball in exchange for "cash", the "pop-up" tabs reset themselves. At the end of the day, when the glass door above the "inventory control" grooves is open, all the balls in the grooves fall back into the cash register drawer below. Thus resetting the machine for the next day. Keyed drawer is stamped "30" (believed to be a serial # rather than a model #) has six carved out cash receptacles and ball catcher. Front of machine has plaque indicating "Sold by Hy Kolk, Davenport, Iowa". Kolk was listed as a traveling salesman for Otto Albrecht & Co. between 1894-1897. Intended to stimulate cigar/tobacco sales, the customer would buy a 5-cent cigar and use the machine in an attempt to win more. This piece also served as a cash register and early inventory control as it tracked how many cigars were actually given away. Pictured in Bueschel's book "An Illustrated Price Guide to the 100 Most Collectible Trade Stimulators, Vol. II". SIZE: 19" w x 24" h x 18" d. CONDITION: Bottom missing a couple wood slats, tabs show some loss to nickel plating, one small piece of molding is loose, otherwise very good to near excellent, with key. 1-3201