Mechanical Memories Magazine

Issue: 2007-September - Issue 17

Bits and Pieces
Slotties Day Out
Once again, we had a glorious sunny day for Slotties Day Out in Brighton, but
unfortunately, it wasn't a great turnout this time. It was really good to see those who
could make it, particularly Graham Millard who came all the way down from Bedford.
In fact, there were so few of us that by the time we got to the pub in the evening, there
was only Tony Atkins and myself left! As a result of the low turnout, we were not able
to conduct 'The Great All win Challenge', which was disappointing. I'm beginning to
wonder whether we'll ever be able to do this, so if anyone has any ideas - let me know.
The Bollands Survey
I've given this a rest over the last few months, not least because there hasn't been
anything much to report. However, three machines were sold at auction in America
recently, which brings the total number of Bollands working models residing in the
States to twenty-four. I've no idea who owned the machines before going to auction, or
where they are now, so if anyone has any information, please get in touch.
I've made a request previously for information on machine cases, as there are
many machines on the list for which I do not have pictures. I'd particularly like to know
how many machines have survived in Clown cases, so again please get in touch. It
would also be good to have pictures of every machine, so if I don't already have a
'photo of your machine(s), a picture or two would be much appreciated.
The Wonders List
Well, this one just died! We managed to add a couple to the list, but it's now gone very
quiet on the Wonders front. I'm positive there are more Wonders allwins out there
waiting to be discovered, so please help if you can. I previously mentioned that I had a
vague recollection that Honest Joe has nineteen cups, but once again I was talking crap!
The backflash features a large blackboard displaying odds of 24 to 1, so Honest Joe is,
of course, a twenty-four cup machine.
Missing Person Request
Gary Wood contacted me recently, asking for help in locating someone by the name of
John Inglis, who had left a message for Gary but had not left contact details. I've no
idea who John Inglis is, I've never heard of him and he's not a subscriber to this
magazine. But if anyone knows him, please ask him to contact Gary on 0115 974 7037.
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Auction News
By Brian King
Junktion Auction, The Old Railway Station, New Bolingbroke, Nr Boston.
Saturday 29 th September 2007.
The annual auction at the Junktion - dealers in nostalgia, took place last Saturday.
Included were all manner of items from motoring signs, enamel advertising signs, a
dairy handcart, fairground organ and a smattering of amusement machines.
Of particular interest to slotties were eleven machines, quite a few of which did not
sell due to the high reserves placed on them. Two Aristocrat Nevada bandits on lp play
and requiring work were unsold at £100 bid. A nice Mills Brook.lands bandit reached
£300, but again was unsold. A distressed Bryans Clock sold for £240 and a Bryans
Elevenses allwin on 2p play also sold for £340. A Bryans Bullion on 2p reached £330
but again was unsold. Of particular interest were two floor standing 1930s Racing Car
horizontal reel machines made by Brecknell, Munro & Rogers - 'Brook.lands Racers' I
believe. Both machines required work, with parts missing, and were both sold to the
same bidder for £240 each. Possibly the best buy of the day was a Little Stockbroker,
which was very original, having been found in a house clearance. It was on old penny
play, minus keys and required a complete repaint but sold for just £280.
Lots 908 and 909 were a 'Harman Secrets' drop card viewer cl940 and an arcade
crane with art deco design . The guide price for the viewer was £500 - 700 and the crane
at £2000 - 2500. Having been at the auction from 10 am, I had had enough by 4 pm and
so cannot give you the results on these. Perhaps other readers may be able to oblige!
Editor's comment
Thanks for your report Brian - 900 plus lots sounds like a bloody long day! I had heard
rumours of the Junktion auction back in August, but as I was preoccupied with trying to
earn some money during the school holidays, was unable to gather any details to print
in the magazine. Anyway, just a reminder - if any subscriber has information on any
event that may be of interest to the readership, please let me know so that I can give it a
mention in the magazine.
And while on the subject of auctions, if I could have tenner for every time I've
been asked about the Blackpool Pleasure Beach auction, I'd be a rich man! As things
stand at the moment, it is entirely unlikely that Christies will be handling it (or that they
ever had any intention of doing so), and there doesn't seem to be any likelihood of it
being held at the Pleasure Beach, as originally proposed. But as and when I receive any
credible information, I'll ensure it's included in these pages.
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