Mechanical Memories Magazine

in 1912 was the subject of a landmark court case. Judge Scrutton determined that there
was a sufficient degree of skill required in effecting a favourable outcome to the game, to
render the Pickwick legally acceptable. This was the first time in the history of coin-
operated gaming machines that a legal distinction had been made between 'skill' and
'chance'. In reality, the machine really had had the last laugh, as there is little or no skill
involved in the action of 'catching'; rather, it is a test of reaction. For many years to
follow, the catcher would proudly proclaim, and be protected by, Judge Scrutton's
ruling, even though it was basically a game of chance!
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Pesser' s original Patent drawings for the Pickwick.
(The full patent can be viewed in the 'Achieve' on the Pennymachines website)
Page 7