Mechanical Memories Magazine
Issue: 2006-October - Issue 6 - Page 11
Letters to the Editor
Hi Jerry
You will never know the great pleasure that your magazine gives me. I am sure it is a
labour of love that could only be produced by someone who is hooked as I am on this
daft hobby/business of ours.
I have been a total slottie since I was evacuated during WWII to Rhyl, and I
haunted the arcades with my small handful of copper (bronze actually) coins to play the
allwins in the many arcades at that time. My interest was not so much in winning but
how the machines worked, to this end I became known to the keymen in one or two sea
front establishments and they showed me the rudiments of various well known
machines. I WAS HOOKED FOR LIFE. Since then as funds have allowed and some-
times when not, I have owned and restored various wall machines. My main interest
however is now working models and automata of any kind. I have built a number of
haunted houses etc. (one can be seen on page 134 in Darren Hesketh's wonderful book
'Penny in the slot automata and the working model') so anyone with similar interest is
most welcome to get in touch. Email ian@ianogilvy.co.uk
This little note was inspired by Barry Saunder's 'Spend a Penny' article in the
September issue. In addition to the pennies mentioned, 1869 even if worn, if the date is
visible is worth a good premium. Other pennies to look out for are 1950, 1951, 1953. If
you are lucky enough to find one of these pennies, DO NOT CLEAN under any
circumstances.
Good hunting, hope to meet old and new friends at Jeremy Clapham's auction in
Coventry on 12 th November.
Ian Ogilvy
Many thanks for your letter Ian. Yes, the magazine is a labour of love, but I suppose my
reward is the knowledge that it has been so well received in the early days; I just hope
it's as popular in a year's time! I have to take issue with the DAFT HOBBY/BUSINESS
bit. A very wise man once said, <;we should all collect something." Well, we've chosen
to collect and preserve an important part of our leisure heritage, and who knows? One
day, when oil stocks have dwindled to the point that power stations can no longer cope
with demand, operators of vintage mechanical amusements ( and candle makers) will be
reaping the rewards!
You will remember from a previous conversation we had, that I too have a passion
for working models. I hope sometime in the future I will have the opportunity to see one
of your models, until then, I look forward to seeing you at Jeremy's auction.
Jerry
Page 11
Hi Jerry
You will never know the great pleasure that your magazine gives me. I am sure it is a
labour of love that could only be produced by someone who is hooked as I am on this
daft hobby/business of ours.
I have been a total slottie since I was evacuated during WWII to Rhyl, and I
haunted the arcades with my small handful of copper (bronze actually) coins to play the
allwins in the many arcades at that time. My interest was not so much in winning but
how the machines worked, to this end I became known to the keymen in one or two sea
front establishments and they showed me the rudiments of various well known
machines. I WAS HOOKED FOR LIFE. Since then as funds have allowed and some-
times when not, I have owned and restored various wall machines. My main interest
however is now working models and automata of any kind. I have built a number of
haunted houses etc. (one can be seen on page 134 in Darren Hesketh's wonderful book
'Penny in the slot automata and the working model') so anyone with similar interest is
most welcome to get in touch. Email ian@ianogilvy.co.uk
This little note was inspired by Barry Saunder's 'Spend a Penny' article in the
September issue. In addition to the pennies mentioned, 1869 even if worn, if the date is
visible is worth a good premium. Other pennies to look out for are 1950, 1951, 1953. If
you are lucky enough to find one of these pennies, DO NOT CLEAN under any
circumstances.
Good hunting, hope to meet old and new friends at Jeremy Clapham's auction in
Coventry on 12 th November.
Ian Ogilvy
Many thanks for your letter Ian. Yes, the magazine is a labour of love, but I suppose my
reward is the knowledge that it has been so well received in the early days; I just hope
it's as popular in a year's time! I have to take issue with the DAFT HOBBY/BUSINESS
bit. A very wise man once said, <;we should all collect something." Well, we've chosen
to collect and preserve an important part of our leisure heritage, and who knows? One
day, when oil stocks have dwindled to the point that power stations can no longer cope
with demand, operators of vintage mechanical amusements ( and candle makers) will be
reaping the rewards!
You will remember from a previous conversation we had, that I too have a passion
for working models. I hope sometime in the future I will have the opportunity to see one
of your models, until then, I look forward to seeing you at Jeremy's auction.
Jerry
Page 11
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).