Mechanical Memories Magazine

Editorial
Hello again. Well, I guess the big news this month is the Coventry auction. This will be
our third event, and with 200 lots entered in the auction so far, it could be our biggest.
At one point though, it looked as ifit wouldn't (or couldn't) go ahead. As a result ofour
ridiculous gaming laws relating to the sale of machines, we are no longer able to apply
for a permit, as we have for the two previous events. In order to save the day, we ' ve
joined forces with Classic amusements in order to run the event legally, but I think the
time has now come for the collector community to stand up and be counted; I for one
am no longer prepared to be considered a criminal for merely pursuing a hobby.
Anyway, more of that another time.
Now, do you remember the mystery metal label stamper that Brian King
discovered in Australia? Well, it looks as if we ' ve solved the mystery of who produced
it. However, we Brits should perhaps bow our heads in shame, as it's taken an
Australian and an American to sort it out! At thi s point I should like to thank Bob
Klepner and Greg McLemore, who have been most helpful in identifying the machine' s
manufacturer. I've decided that the British Automatic Company Ltd will make an ideal
project for the magazine, as it appears they were probably a fairly major player for half
a century, and yet nothing is known about them. Full account from page 7.
On page 14 onward, you'll find news of the International Arcade Museum, which I
think should be of great interest. Before you all get over-excited, it's not a real museum
where you can play hundreds of machines; it's an Internet based museum which is
evolving into an ever expanding resource which will be of benefit to us all. If you still
don't have Internet access, this could be another good reason for getting connected!
And finally, I have yet another apology to make with regard to spelling mistakes.
Actually, this wasn't so much a spelling mistake; more a case of not knowing what day
of the week it was. If, at any time in the future , I ever make reference to the Sept. 07
issue ......... it's the one with August on the front! I' ve no idea how I did that; there' s
not even supposed to be a magazine in August. I guess I was just tired and worn out
after a long summer in Brighton.
I look forward to seeing you all in Coventry
All the best
Jerry