Coin Slot Magazine - #086 - 1982 - April [International Arcade Museum]
Another case for
A 25 year law
The following letter and news clipping were received
from Jim Lawson. He says what we have thought about
and been afraid of for a number of years. The ripple
effect of which we speak may already be in progress as
'this is the third example of such a case in recent
months. The unfortunate like factor in each case is that
all three states have pre-1941 laws. It does not seem to
be an equitable situation that many states have laws
which ban the sale and ownership of certain slot
machines while their neighboring states allow not only
the sale of those machines but also fairly new ma
chines In our eyes these three incidents emphasize
the necessity of an organized statewide, if not national,
movement to amend our existing laws to at least 25
years. (We do not feel that this is the appropriate time
to discuss the ramifications of these sales by dealers.)
We want to thank Jim for his wise assessment of the
situation and without further discussion on our part, we
ask that our readers mull over what Jim has to say. (Jim,
we're happy that you enjoy The Coin Slot — thanks.)
ar Editor,
| suppose we all have those days in our lives we wish
would never have happened and Tuesday, Feb-
I ruary 9, 1982 was one of those days! However,
the day was not a total loss because when I arrived
home that night, there were two of my favorite maga
zines in the mail. One of them being your publication,
The Coin Slot and the other,
Change.
of course, was Loose
As always, the first thing most of us do is leaf through
the magazine, read choice articles and then thumb
through it again. I would like to take this opportunity to
say how much I appreciate your new size and new
coloring. I know this is a little belated, however, we, in
California, do not write very often.
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I read with great interest the articles in your magazine
by Dave Evans and your particular item, "Why A 25
Year Law." There were also some articles in Loose
Change which pertain to the same problem as related
It is more than ironic that at work, on Wednesday, a
friend brought me the clipping, which I have enclosed,
from the San Jose Mercury. You will find the clipping is
66-THE COIN SLOT
© The International Arcade Museum
Store owner — Ron Smith
self-explanatory. Obviously, I feel this confiscation will
be a landmark case and could very well go against all of
the wonderful people in the antique slot collecting
field. Whether they be like myself, a hobby collector, or
someone very well known to you, the rest of the
fraternity and myself, are very nervous because of this
seizure and arrest in the City of San Jose. The outcome
of this trial and upcoming case could be a death blow
to the wonderful hobby of antique slot machine collect
ing in the State of California and I believe could
perhaps have a ripple effect throughout the country.
I feel we should give some consideration to rallying
around to support the fight that will be forthcoming in
court which, of course, would be beneficial, if we win, in
a manner that it would clarify the obviously vague law
as it is written on the books at this time— even if we are
lucky enough to have the law changed to the 25 year
status
When I first received and read your February The
Coin Slot, I intended to write you a long letter in hopes
that some of it might be of interest to some of the
collectors as I am probably a silent majority that never
submits their ideas. I have been collecting antique
machines for approximately six years and like most
others in the field, started out with one machine and, of
course, I have been bitten by the "bug" ever since that
time.
time.
7
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do not know Mr. Ron Smith personally although I
? feel I have heard his name. It is amazing that his
location is probably only a few miles from my resi
dence and area. I am sure everyone in California and
perhaps collectors in other states, will be watching this
case with a great deal of interest and concern.
In closing, I would like to thank you and all of your
staff who make The Coin Slot such a pleasure to
receive and read each month.
Very truly yours,
Jim Lawson
Continued on page 69
April, 1082
http://www.arcade-museum.com/