NEW CHICAGO COIN-OP AND ADVERTISING SHOW

Nostalgialand show March 20, 21 & 22 in conjunction with the Kane County Flea  Market. St Charles Ill. 

ROGER SMITH INDUCTED INTO COCA HALL OF FAME

Roger Smith was inducted into the COCA Hall of Fame at the October, 2025 meeting in Chicago. Roger is well know for his numerous articles in LOOSE CHANGE & COCA TIMES Magazines.

They tell the stories of the people who imagined, created, and ran the industries that produced coin-operated devices. He has also published a new book “PENNY PROFITS”. His articles and his book feature detailed research and images of the history of the people and the machines.

To order a copy of his 300 plus page book send $60 plus $10 for first class shipping to:

Tom Tolworthy, Morphy Auctions, 2000 N. Reading Road, Denver, PA 17517

OHIO COCA LOCAL GATHERING 2025

COCA Local gathering at the home of Stacy and Desiree Wills On April 27th, 2025

A large crowd of COCA members and their guests gathered in Columbus Ohio on a lovely Spring day. They were all treated to delicious food and hospitality and a fabulous collection of coin-ops, antique advertising and a whole lot more. Some traveled from as far away as Houston Texas to see the collections. THANK YOU Stacy and Desiree for opening your home and sharing with the gang.

We all hope to see more of these local gatherings across the country soon. We have held National Conventions  for the last 20 years and are out of destinations with multiple collections to tour. 

Local gatherings can bring us back together to share our collections with one and other in a one day event. Please consider having one at your home. COCA will promote your gathering through our website, Facebook, and through an email blast.                    Lets get back togther again!

Randy and Sue Razzoog inducted into COCA Hall Of Fame

The Razzoogs started collecting 40 years ago when they went to a garage sale and found a man who was selling his vending route machines. They are not sure what possessed them, but they bought them all, not really knowing much about them. And that’s how it started! Skip ahead 40 years and they have since branched out in many different areas - gum, advertising, country store, barber shop, fans, cigar memorabilia and much more.

Their first Chicagoland show was at the Rosemont Convention Hall. They have since been setting up a booth for 38 years. They have also done the Indy shows, as well. They are always ready and willing to help other collectors with their questions and problems with coin-ops.

They have been the editors of the C.O.C.A. Times Magazine for 23 years. They do the complete layout for 3 issues every year. Our magazine is the lifeblood of our club and our hobby. Be sure to thank them for their tedious work for COCA.

MARSHALL FEY PASSED AWAY AT AGE 96

Marshall Fey passed away in Reno Nevada on November 5th, 2024, at the age of 96.

Our hobby has lost another icon of the coin-op world. “Marsh” was a fine gentleman. He was a regular at the Chicagoland Shows for many years. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help everyone he met. If you were lucky to have ever spent an evening meal with him, you know how he could mesmerize everyone with his stories about the good all days with his father and grandfather.

Marshall Fey’s story is about the experiences of three generations of the Fey coin machine family.   His grandfather, Charles Fey is known as the inventor of the three-reel slot machine and scores of other coin operated devices.  His father Edmund Fey invented, manufactured and operated machines on his own. His focus was centered on arcade machines as well as gambling machines.

Marshall along with his brother Frank operated and revamped numerous slot machines in their Reno Liberty Belle Restaurant and Saloon for more than 30 years. Many of us visited there and were given the red-carpet treatment. An original Fey Liberty Bell slot machine was on display for all to enjoy.

Having spent his entire lifetime with coin-op machines and the people that made and operated them enabled him to tell the complete story of the evolution of the slot machine. Marshall Fey was best known as the author of the number one selling slot machine book in the world “Slot Machines The First 100 Years”.  With over 33,000 copies sold it is now in its seventh printing.  It has been printed in multiple languages.

His fabulous book takes us on a journey that starts in the early 1890's and ends in in today's modern casinos. Included in the exciting history of this major industry are accounts of the pioneers, inventors, manufacturers, operators and the numerous raids that plagued the industry. This book has been used as a source book worldwide, including television documentaries. It is a “must have” book for all serious slot collectors.

Marsh was the winner of the American Association for State and Local History’s “National History Award” in 1984.  Marsh has spoken at our C.O.C.A. meetings on multiple occasions. His book has helped to spread the word about these fascinating machines and inspired both new and old collectors since 1983.

He has educated antique collectors everywhere that these highly regarded slot machines are not only a good investment, but fun to play.  He was a great ambassador for the coin operated machine collecting hobby. Marshall was inducted into the COCA COIN-OP HALL OF FAME in 2011. HE WILL BE MISSED.

If you would like to send a condolence card, please send it to his son Marshall:

Marshall Fey, 2925 West Moana Lane, Reno Nevada, 89509

TRIBUTE TO KEN RUBIN

Coin-op collecting pioneer, legend and COCA Hall of Fame honoree Ken Rubin passed away on October 28, 2023.  Ken’s fascination and interest in coin-op machines began at an early age growing up in his beloved Brooklyn, New York where he lived his entire life.

Beginning in his childhood Ken spent countless hours in the penny arcades that dotted Coney Island.  While his fascination with coin-op began there, it never wavered for the rest of his life.  In 1979 Ken wrote Drop Coin Here the seminal reference book of our hobby.  It is and always will be the go-to book for coin-op collectors old and new.

Ken was a fervent collector of all vintage coin-ops with a keen collector’s eye and a passion that always burned hot. While the machines in his collection covered the full gamut of coin-op collecting, his particular fascination centered on the rarest and best vending machines, with a great passion in particular for cigar machines.

Over many decades Ken relished going to every coin-op show, auction, convention as well as visiting countless collectors worldwide.  That said, he took his greatest pleasure in having folks visit his home in Brooklyn to see his collection, after which he would regale them with stories about his machines, but even more so to share a friendship with other collectors.

Ken was a mentor to many of us as we entered the hobby, which then continued over decades always being there to offer advice, honest feedback and most importantly friendship. 

Ken is survived by his loving wife Kathryn who was by his side for too many coin-op adventures to count.  More importantly, over many years they were always there for each other with genuine love and affection.

Along with a handful of others, Ken pioneered and made coin-op collecting what it is while also setting the table for what it will be for future collectors along the way. 

Ken’s impact on coin-op collecting will always be felt, and he will be sorely missed by everyone in our hobby who was lucky enough to know him.                

John Fifer inducted into the COCA Coin-Op Hall Of Fame

COCA President Phill Emeret presented the award to John in November, 2023 at the Chicago COCA meeting. John served multiple terms as COCA President.

He was also elected President again for the 2024 – 2025 term. He also helped organize several COCA conventions, COCA events in Chicago, and local gatherings at his home in Northeast Ohio. John and his wife Linda are always ready to help out at any COCA event.

He was a tour host at the Cleveland convention. John has been a great source of information for numerous members seeking help with their machines. He is eager to help others with their coin-op questions and problems. John is very active in our hobby as a collector, restorer, dealer and friend.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Jackie and Ken Durham inducted into COCA Coin-Op Hall of Fame

The Durham’s are the newest members of our COCA Hall of Fame. They began collecting in the 1970’s and never stopped. They attended the very first coin-op shows in the Chicago area, Atlantic City and California. They have bought and sold gambling, arcade, and vending machines for the past 50 years.

 

Jackie and Ken also published a free newspaper called the “Chicagoland Gazette” for many years. It was filled with articles and resources for machines and parts. If you were a part of the Chicagoland scene in the 80’s and 90’s you probably picked up a copy at every show.

 

They also host one of the very first Coin-Op websites, “GamerRoomAntiques.com” It is still a great source for machines and information. Between their website and selling at coin-op shows, they have probably sold as many machines as any other dealer/collector in the hobby.

 

They have always been great supporters of COCA. Jackie served as the Vice-President of COCA and Jackie, Ken and Bill Howard initiated the idea to hold the very first National COCA Convention. It took place in Ohio in 2004. Their former home in Washington DC and now in North Carolina has many coin-op machines on display, although it is a bit smaller now than it was in DC where every room in the house was packed full of machines.

 

This “Dynamic Duo” is certainly worthy of this great honor. Congratulations and welcome.

FALL Coin-Op Events it the Greater Chicago Area

*******  COCA FALL Swap Meet   ********   NOVEMBER 14th, 2024

COCA SWAP MEET

COCA will hold a FREE swap meet on THURSDAY MORNING NOVEMBER 14th, AT 8:30 am in the side parking of the Double Tree Hotel. ALL ARE WELCOME TO BUY AND SELL COIN-OPS AND ANY OTHER RELATED GAME ROOM GOODIES.

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE TO TO SET UP OR ATTEND, COME ONE COME ALL! 

********************************************************************************************

COCA MEETING THURSDAY 11/14/2024 6:30pm at the Double Tree Hotel 

MEET THE NEW OWNERS OF THE CHICAGOLAND SHOW!

Q & A WITH THE NEW OWNERS, AND FIND OUT ALL ABOUT THE GREAT NEW CHANGES!

COCA HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT FOR 2024 PRESENTATION.

*********************************************************************************************

COCA Members can get the reduced room rate of $119. King or Double at the DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville-Mundelein 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL 60060.

USE THIS LINK TO RESERVE A ROOM

Guest can also reserve their rooms by calling the hotel at 800-774-1500 and using code 90J

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein, 510 East IL Route 83, Mundelein, Illinois, 60060

__________________________________________________________________

 

DONLEY Classic AUCTION: NOV 15, 16, 17, 2024

Annual Fall Classic Auction

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

 Email: DonleyAuctions@outlook.com  8512 S Union Rd, Union, IL 60180

8512 S. Union Road, Union, IL  60180
815.923.7000

Click here for more details DONLEY WEBSITE

Email: DonleyAuctions@outlook.com     815-923-7000

8512 S Union Rd, Union, IL 60180

SEE OUR AD IN COCA TIMES MAGAZINE​​      COCA CONVENTION SPONSOR THANK YOU !

_________________________________________________________________

 

FALL CHICAGOLAND SHOW: November 15, 2024

The Chicagoland Gameroom Show will be held in the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake, Illinois.

Friday, November 15, 2024
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024

 

CHICAGOLAND SHOW WEBSITE CLICK HERE

SEE OUR AD IN COCA TIMES MAGAZINE

COCA MEMBERS WILL RETURN TO TOUR THE SAN FILIPPO ESTATE NOVEMBER 12, 2022

COCA VISIT TO THE SANFILIPPO ESTATE: November 12, 2022

C.O.C.A. Membership visit to the SANFILIPPO Estate

Saturday, November 12th from 3 pm - 7 pm.

Open to COCA members, Dealers and best customers. (Not open to the general public.)

$25 per guest at the door. (Cash or check).

House open 3 - 6 pm and carousel pavilion open 6 - 7 pm. Carousel rides available.

Proceeds assist SANFILIPPO Foundation with helping charities
that serve children and families, health and human services, and arts
and culture charities.

789 Plum Tree Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010.

Please follow parking signs upon entry into Estate grounds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Phill Emmert

President

Coin Operated Collectors Association

719-233-5834

SAN FILIPPO ESTATE WEBSITE

KEITH MORRIS INDUCTED INTO COCA HALL OF FAME

At the November 2021 COCA meeting Keith Morris was inducted into the COCA Hall Of Fame. His hard work and dedication to our hobby and to the COCA club make him a very well deserved recipient of this prestigious award for 2021.

 

Keith has served as COCA Treasurer for the last 10 years. This job requires many man hours of accounting work for collecting dues, updating contact information, printing mailing labels for our COCA Times Magazine. This unpaid job requires regular daily attention.  And Keith will continue to be our Treasurer for at least the next 2 years.

 

He has been a vital part of the COCA Convention organization and execution committees for past 10 years. Keith has served as registration chairman for all of our recent conventions and for other events like trips to Jaspers.

 

Keith has also been a source of knowledge and advice to many of our members for the repair and restoration of numerous machines including pinball, horse race and many, many others. He has worked on numerous machines for other COCA members.

 

Keith has also produced several informative videos and posted them online so that others can share in his knowledge

 

Keith was a tour host for our convention in 2010 and has hosted several North Carolina local gatherings and will be a tour host and registration chairman for our next convention.

 

CONGRATULATIONS KEITH !

Auctions Listing

MORPHY AUCTION LAS VEGAS

General Antiques & Advertising featuring the Ray Claridge Collection – Las Vegas

December 04 - 06, 2025 • 9:00 AM PST

Coin-Op & Advertising – Las Vegas

AUCTION CONCLUDED VIEW THE RESULTS HERE

Email: info@morphyauctions.com.

______________________________________

SPRING Coin-Op & Advertising Auction– Las Vegas

April 23 - 25, 2026 • 9:00 AM PDT

_______________________________________

 

MORPHY WEBSITE

 

SEE OUR ADS IN COCA TIMES MAGAZINE

 

 

 

 

___________________________________________________________________

DONLEY AUCTION

October Fall Classic

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, October 23, 24, 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT

AUCTION CONCLUDED

 

Email: DonleyAuctions@outlook.com  8512 S Union Rd, Union, IL 60180

VIEW THE RESULTS HERE:    DONLEY AUCTIONS WEBSITE

 

SEE OUR AD IN COCA TIMES MAGAZINE - PLEASE SUPPORT COCA TIMES ADVERTISERS

COCA NATIONAL CONVENTION SPONSOR - THANK YOU!

 

____________________________________________________________________

Pot Of Gold COIN-OP Auction

 

 

 

 

NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR OUR NEXT BIG AUCTION

 

 

 

POT OF GOLD AUCTIONS WEBSITE

 

310 N. Dysart Road Building B

Avondale, AZ 85323

 

______________________________________________________________________

Videos Feature Coin-Op and More

Check out videos of coin-op collectors, collections and other gameroom goodies here.

If you have a video that you think other COCA Members would enjoy, please submit it via the COCA CONTACT FORM HERE

Please paste your URL link in the comments box. THANKS!

 

100 YEARS OF GAMING HISTORY - Submitted by Greg McLemore

 

COCA MEMBERS GENE AND TJ OLDHAM FEATURED IN THEIR SODA SHOPPE - Submitted by Don Mangels

 

ROGER'S (aka “WALDO”) SALOON - Submitted by Ken Durham

 

THE HISTORY OF SLOT MACHINES - Submitted by Marshal Fey

 

A MORE EXTENSIVE HISTORY OF THE FIRST SLOT MACHINE - Submitted by Ken Durham

 

THE PEACOCK CLOCK   -  Submitted by Jack Freund

 

OLD CIGARETTE MACHINES FIND NEW LIFE AS ART VENDORS 

 

LAUREL & HARDY PLAYING VINTAGE MILLS UPRIGHT FLOOR SLOT MACHINE  -  Submitted by Al Fox

 

RIGGED SLOT MACHINES EXPLAINED BY COCA MEMBERS

 

VIEW THE KEITH MORRIS COIN-OP COLLECTION VIDEO HERE

 

MAN MOVES GRANDPA'S GENERAL STORE AND MORE VIDEO HERE

Chicagoland Gameroom Show

Trouble With Member Log-In to the COCA Website?

If you are you are using Windows Internet Explorer and experiencing difficulty with your member log-in and getting a “This Form Has Expired Error Notice” it is probably due to recent updates to the COCA Website.  We recently had to update the COCA website to a newer version, and this may be why your computer is not happy with COCA Log-in.

 

{image_1}The “this form has expired” error is usually related to cookies/saved sessions and can typically be solved by clearing one’s temporary files.

Your user ID and password are probably not the problem!

 

This problem has only happened with members using Internert Explorer and not with those using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

 

• Here is a website that our web guru recommends.  It should fix the problem for you.  This has instructions for windows 6,7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, go to the bottom of the instruction page to view the other versions. 

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS

 

• If you have forgotten your user name or password please GO TO THE FORGOT USER NAME/ PASSWORD PAGE

Two Welcomed into COCA Hall of Fame

Two new members of the COCA Hall of Fame were inducted during the November 2016 meeting in Chicago. The COCA Hall of Fame Award is presented at the fall meeting to one or more individuals who have made “outstanding contributions” to COCA and/or the hobby of collecting coin operated machines.

{image_1}Marsha Blau is the recipient of the 2015 award. Marsha served for eight years as Vice President with three different Presidents. During that time, she also served as COCA National Convention Planning and Operations Chairwoman.

Marsha helped organize our 3rd convention in Wisconsin in 2006. She coordinated several more, often traveling to host cities at her own expense to find hotels and other tour venues. She also organized many other social events for our club, including meeting speakers and meals, Chicagoland show hotel contracts and trips to Jaspers.

Marsha and her husband David collect coin-op and many other antiques and collectables. She remains a key factor in the growth of COCA and has earned our thanks for her many years of hard work for COCA.  As the “Official First Lady of COCA”, she deserves this prestigious award. Congratulations Marsha!

 

{image_2}Doug Cain is the recipient of the 2016 award. Doug served multiple terms as Treasurer and as President of COCA. He was a steady force, keeping the club on track both financially and structurally.

During his terms in office our club prospered and grew in membership numbers. Doug introduced an initiative to find new members through advertising in antiquing trade publications and auction house catalogs. While Doug was President our new website was developed, which led to an additional avenue to promote COCA online.

 

 

 

New promotional brochures, COCA gear and other new methods helped our club to continue its growth. Doug worked closely with the National Convention chair to help make those events even more successful.

Doug collects a variety of coin-op with a focus on vending, gambling and arcade. He was a pricing committee consultant on the valuations found in the Silent Salesman vending book by Bill Enes. Doug is certainly a worthy and deserving recipient of the 2016 COCA Hall of Fame award.

COIN-OP GIFT GUIDE

VENDING MACHINE PUZZLE-  Springbok “Vintage Store” 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. This puzzle depicts approximately 40 terrific old vending machines by Pulver and many others. The picture was taken at the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum in Madison, Georgia.  Unfortunately, the museum was closed several years ago after the car collection was sold at auction

{image_1}Mr. Weiner also collected old coin-operated candy machines and he set up the vintage candy store as an exhibit in the museum.  It measures 24”x30” and would look great framed and hung on any coin-op collectors wall. Available from Springbok.com ,  Amazon and other online retailers for less than $20. CLICK PICTURES AT BOTTOM OF PAGE TO ENLARGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

{image_2}BAR TOP BOOK- “American Saloons, Pre-Prohibition Photographs” is a fine, embossed hardbound book that contains over 345 pages of photographs and commentary.   There are over 100 images of early coin operated gambling, slot and amusement machines.

The book measures 9 by 12, and most of the photographs fill up the entire page. It depicts Trade Stimulators, Floor Model Upright Slot Machines, bar top and counter top Slot Machines, Amusement and Musical Machines.

Also depicts many photos of saloon exteriors and interiors, along with vintage automobiles, taxidermy, patrons, bartenders and bar fixtures.  If you like looking at old stuff, this is the book for you. Available directly from the author’s website:  HistoricalSaloonPhotographs.com - only $20.00 (plus $5.00 shipping and handling)  or email Roger Kislingbury waldovan@sbcglobal.net

 

 

 

{image_3}COIN-OP MACHINE PHOTO AND IDENTIFICATION GUIDE BOOK- “Reel Amusement” (176 pages) This is the 2nd book by Tom Gustwiller. It features hundreds of color photographs, descriptions, and values for Trade Stimulators, Payout Slot Machines, Vending and Arcade Machines.

Available directly from the author: Send check to Tom Gustwiller, 116 West Main, Ottawa, Ohio, 45875. Only a few copies remain.  Only- $25 & includes Free Shipping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLLECTOR BOOK- “Every Picture Tells a Story Supplement” This is the 2nd book by Bill Howard.{image_4} Through text and pictures, this book tells the story of the Bill Howard Collection. Lots of pictures of wonderful coin- operated machines and other attention getters from our history and heritage. Bill’s stories about each item and how he came to acquire it illustrate his unusual and interesting sense of humor.

Available postpaid from the author, Send a check for $85 to Bill Howard, 1357 Neil Evans Dr., Akron Ohio 44313

Fall 2021 COCA Meeting: November 18, 2021

COCA Fall Meeting: Thursday, November 18, 2021

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CHICAGOLAND SHOW WE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY EVENING AT THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL.

         

              PARKING LOT TRADING AND ROOM TO ROOM TRADING IS NOW PERMITED AT THE DOUBLE TREE ONLY FOR COCA MEMBERS

 

All COCA Members get discounted hotel room rates of $99 per night at the Double Tree, plus enjoy a deluxe buffet breakfast every morning for only $5 (Regular $15 per person)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Libertyville - Mundelein, 510 East IL Route 83, Mundelein, Illinois, 60060

Call for special rate: 847-970-6905  Ask for the COCA Rate use group code COI

Morphy Las Vegas to host huge Coin-Op auction

• Morphy Las Vegas will hold another great Coin-Op Auction on January 28-29, 2017. This will be the greatest coin-op auction event this century! The auction will feature more than 1500 gambling machines, mostly slots and trade stimulators from the famous Barry Goldfarb collection.  Plan now to attend this event. There have never been this many coin operated machines sold at a single auction and most likely will never be again.
• Address – 4520 Arville St. #1, Las Vegas, NV 89103
  Phone – 877-968-8880
  Email – info@morphyauctions.com
  Hours – Open Monday – Friday | 9AM – 4PM PST

 

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ONLINE BIDDING CATALOG

 

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL CATALOG ONLINE 

 

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THIS FABULOUS COLLECTION TO BE SOLD ON 1-28 & 29, 2017

COCA National Convention, Northeast Ohio in 2017 REGISTER NOW

Our national convention will be held in Ohio on July 13,14,15,16, 2017.  We will tour some great collections in the greater Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron and Medina area of Northeast Ohio.  There will be tours available of 15 collectors that were not seen at the 2004 convention…..WOW! The host hotel will be the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockside, Ohio. Located at 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd. Independence, Ohio, 44131.

{image_1}19 Ohio collectors have indicated they will be ready to host our group.  Northeast Ohio is a one-day drive for a huge number of our members.

We recommend that you register now!

• On Wednesday, July 13th we begin with some bonus tours in othe parts of Ohio.

Tom Gustwiller in Ottawa Ohio will be available for tours of his epic collection from noon until 8pm. Please Call Tom at 419-234-6133 and let him know when you plan to tour.  He is located about 2 hours west of the host hotel.  He has one of the finest collections in the world.

Stacey and Desiree Wills are also available on Wednesday and on Sunday 7/16. Their collection features thirty seven uprights, four doubles, one triple.  Thirty slots, including sixteen superiors!   You will also see cigar cutters and Handel and pair point lamps!  Call Stacy at 614-348-9871 to arrange a time. The Wills are located near Columbus Ohio, about 2 hours southwest of the hotel.

Charles's  Meeks collection is located in Marietta Ohio (about 2 1/2 hours south of the hotel) and has a mixture of slots, gumball machines and other coin-op machines.  Country store items, advertising, and brass cash registers.  His home has antique toys and banks, some music boxes, and whistlers. Collection open Wednesday.  Call 740-373-9594 to arrange a time.  Charles will also be available on Monday if anyone wants to stop on their way home.

 

• On Thursday, July 14th you will be able to tour 4 collections.  You will see 5 more on Friday and 5 more on Saturday. There is one scheduled tour for Sunday morning.  THAT'S A LOT OF GREAT STUFF TO SEE!!!  And don't forget to check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

• NEW BONUS TOUR ADDITION! Sal Mazzeo is near Cincinatti Ohio. About 25 slot machines, also a Gabel Owl floor machine, Bally Reliance Dice machine. A Bally target gun, Mutoscope peep show, trade stimulators, 2 pinball machines (1970's and 1990), and other gameroom antiques. (about 4 hours from the hotel) Call 513-624-0483 or 513-315-6108.  Available post-convention on Sunday afternoon and evening.  Since he is retiring 8/1 other times are possible so call if interested. 

 

• Here is a brief summary of some of the collections that you will see at this convention:
• Antique arcade machines, coin-op devices, mechanical music pieces, and vintage automata.
• A delightful mixture of Music and Arcade and Advertising and Vending and a little gambling thrown in.

 

• A collection of over 50 slot machines, over 60 vending, 3 jukeboxes, 3 Nickelodeons, wood stimulators, and even some pinball and arcade.  All machines are coin operated.
• A collection consisting of approximately 200- 300 machines. Lots of vending, slots and trade stimulators.    Also, some arcade machines and several countertop games.  Another part of the collection is thousands of AMUSEMENT PARK memorabilia, mostly paper items, SOME of which will be displayed in the house.  This home will feature a MINI flea market in their garage consisting of some parts machines, a few vending items and slots, and lots of other really cool stuff.
• Slots, arcade, pinball machines, oak furniture. 

 

• Antique advertising signs and coin op. Over 100 vending machines including slots, gumball and peanut machines, a nice assortment of match vendors, some other vending types such as stamp, aspirin and trade stimulators, as well as a weird collection of over 1200 brass garden hose nozzles! A very nice assortment with several rare pieces.
• This collector has been collecting coin-op since the mid 70's but specializes in pinball and arcade games. He took his passion of collecting pinball machines to a new level in 1985 when he put on his first coin-op show- Pinball Expo. His collection currently stands at over 500 pinball machines and over 500 video machines.  Expect the unexpected as he will have close to 100 games in operation in his basement arcade.

 

• A great collection of have about 190 machines including arcade, vending, trade stimulators. Some of the older machines are Princess Dorladina, Cleveland Grandma fortune teller, Monkey Lifter, Mutoscope Puncher, Mills Puncher, and Clam Shells.  Vending machines feature Pulvers and a lot of Columbus machines, and in trades there are wood and aluminum, bicycle wheels, sambos, spirals and more!

 

• A fine assortment of slot machines, gumball, and trade stimulators.  They also have some interesting old Indian relics! 
• Fantastic vending, slots, trade stimulators, and table top arcade.  A little bit of everything!
• This eclectic collection is located on a working farm including coin-op, automatic music (band and dance), advertising, steam engine, etc. 

 

• World class collection of upright slots & other gambling machines, mechanical music, penny arcade, unusual oddities, singing birds, & much more great stuff!
• A collection of mainly early penny arcade up to some WWII games. You'll also see automata, musical, old toys, bisque dolls, old cars, and the most beautiful view of Lake Erie.
• Thirty-seven uprights, four doubles, one triple.  Thirty counter top slots including sixteen Superiors!   You will also see cigar cutters and Handel and pair point lamps!

 

• One of the world’s finest collections of trade stimulators, uprights, slots, and automatons. Hundreds of machines to see here.
• A mixture of slots, gumball machines and other coin op machines.  Country store items, advertising, and brass cash registers.  His home has antique toys and banks, some music boxes, and whistlers. Way too many items to count.

 

All dining will be included in your registration fee.  There will be a welcome dinner with a “happy hour” free open bar on Thursday evening at the Embassy Suites Rockside.

Friday plans include free cooked to order breakfast, lunch, and a river boat dinner cruise.  Saturday will include breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner. Sunday will include breakfast.

Optional bus transportation is available if there is enough interest, although self-driving and ride sharing is encouraged for all events.

We expect this convention to sell out.

 

• There should be some outstanding buying and selling opportunities as well at this event. There will be room to room and parking lot trading at the hotel.  Bring some things to sell and be prepared to buy.

The hotel is about 15 minutes from the preferred airport Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) ......also less than one hour from Akron Canton Airport (CAK).

RESERVATIONS MAY BE MADE NOW AT THE EMBASSY SUITES ROCKSIDE BY CLICKING HERE. Reservations are available for only $129 +tax for 1-King or 2-Double Bed suites. All suites include free made-to-order breakfast and complimentary Evening Reception. The special COCA price is good from July 10 thru 18, 2017. This will allow you to extend your stay and tour some of the other great venues in the area, like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Pro Football H.O.F. in Canton.

The registration fee for COCA members and their guests is only $205 per person. Early registration is highly recommended.

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE

Steve Squires WOWS the crowd at the Spring 2016 COCA Chicagoland meeting

The highlight of the Spring show was Steve Squires, owner of Squires and Corrie Slot Machines of San Mateo, California. Steve gave one of the most memorable presentations in the history of COCA featured speakers.

Steve recounted his life of coin operated machines, from his first job in coin-op repair when he was 13 years old on through to today. Steve recounted his numerous exploits including encounters with the mob in Chicago, his struggles in North and South Carolina, his battles with the law in Tennessee, and his eventual establishment of his business in California, all over the last sixty-plus years.

Comical stories that detailed his ups and downs in the repair and operation of slot machines often reduced many of the members in attendance to tears!{image_1}

Steve has purchased the entire inventory of several dealers over the years including Ancient Slots of Nevada, and Tom Khral’s Antique Slot Machine Part Co. He probably is the largest dealer of slot machine parts in the world. If you need parts or just need a question about a slot machine answered give him a call at  800-342-6737 or via the net at SquiresandCorrie.com

This was the first time that most of us learned what the business side of the coin-op world was really all about. It was truly an enlightening experience. Many members have asked that we bring Steve back for an encore presentation in the future, let’s hope he says yes!

COCA Treasurer, Keith Morris featured in Sir Walter Raleigh Magazine.

Keith and Cathy Morris are both very active members of COCA and the magazine published a super article about Keith and Cathy and their great collection. Keith has been the club Treasurer for the last few years and Kathy is currently coordinating the 2016 national convention in Denver Colorado.

Their beautiful home was the site of the first night open house that kicked off the 2010 COCA convention in North Carolina. The collection includes numerous rare, unusual and fun coin-ops. Please click on this link TO VIEW THE COMPLETE ARTICLE AND PICTURES OF THE MACHINES.

 

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Beware Current Scams

UPDATE !!!  NEW SCAM FOR THIS BUM!  Many more new attempts by this scammer!     Here are some emails that arrived recently:

This guy is still out there. We hoped he had been arrested, but new reports are coming in!

• This thief uses several names.  The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says the person's real name Richard Iden. Please report all incidents to Detective Garrett with the LVMPD. Connect it to all cases with Richard Iden.

Another Attempt By AKA “Richard Iden”, “Timothy Flemmons”, “Richard Ivan” “John Ward” “Johntrail Ward” “Ameer Carpenter” “James Salmeron”

(702)-502-4466,  (702)-955-0363, (702)-986-3164,  4455 East Twain Ave,  #B218 Las Vegas NV 89121

It looks like this Scum-Bum is living pretty well on other peoples money.  HERE IS A LINK TO HIS APARTMENT COMPLEX

Someone living in Las Vegas should do the world a favor and help us get this dog arrested!

These posts are mostly from coin dealers that have been contacted by the scammer. “The Coin Op Colletors Association” is a club for those that collect coin operated machines. If you are a coin dealer or collector and are reading this we would like you to forward this information to any local, state, national, or international coin collectors clubs so that it can be passed on to their members.

 

• (2/22/17) Scammed by him today. Same M.O. HOWEVER!, HE BOUGHT MY DOGS SOME TREATS AT THE SMITH'S ON ANN RD SO I HAVE HIS FINGER PRINTS AND RECEIPT SHOWING EXACT MOMENT OF PURCHASE. Should be on video. I'm living in my car, so as soon as I can get gas money, I'll go to LVPD. I'm in Henderson. WE NEED TO NAIL THIS JERK!

• (2/20/17)

  I want to thank this site for saving me from being scammed by this guy.
  It seems this guy has a new scam. I put an ad up on Craigslist looking for work with a picture of myself. I'm 35 and female. He contacted me with this:
  “I have an immediate opening for a asst In my gold and silver rare coin business Full time Starts at 15.00 per hour if your interested call me rick 702-502-6770”
  
  I spoke to him and he gave a plausible story about being a 62 yr old retired school teacher with this coin business and told me what I would be doing and says because of the high value of the goods I would be handling that I would need to be bonded. I could either go get bonded myself or I could go through the company he uses and pay $50 less, total of $70. Well of course I would rather save $50 considering I'm having to borrow the money in the first place because I'm the Application Trail still and have no income.
  
  Everything he said sounded good, but not too good to be true. It was just enough money offered to not raise alarms (I did wonder at the amount since this is Vegas and he could have gotten away with saying 10 bucks an hour easily) but not low enough that I could ignore the chance at making it. Before I left to meet him at a Starbucks, I went hunting around the internet for any info I could find on his number, him, etc. I found absolutely nothing BUT I had read this very forum page before I left.
  
  When I show up, this 5'8, pudgy, pasty white guy in glasses with brown hair and light blue eyes greets me. He looked completely nondescript and average. He began by showing me where I would work by googling the address on his phone. The address he gave was something like 4100 Bracken Ave, Las Vegas or something close to that number. I asked him if he had a company name and he told me it was Prestige Coinage. I then asked him what his name was again and he said his first name was Richard. I then said I don't think you gave me your last name and he said Ivan. Richard Ivan. It took me about a nano second to make the connection.
  
  He continues rambling and showing me coins on his phone and I guess the look on my face alarmed him and he said “you look troubled about something.” I said his name sounded familiar. Would he mind showing me some kind of identification so that I knew he was who he said he was, I would gladly show him mine and would that be a problem. At this point he looked kind of suprised like he wasn't expecting me to ask but he remained cool and said no that wouldnt be a problem but he wasnt sure he wanted someone working for him that was “so skeptical”. I knew right then and there it was him. I said “I dont think your being 100% honest with me here” and instead of getting angry or indignant like you expect an honest person to do, he just kind of stared back me hesistating and then said, Are you accusing me of something?  but the way he said it, the indignation did not ring true, it was manufactured. I said no I'm not but I need to be careful and he blurted out “well I don't want your bonding money” I never mentioned the bond money once, didn't make any mention of it whatsoever. I said I was going to cut this short, shook his hand and left.
  
  The scam he is running is good. Very good. I know that he was talking to other people besides me because initially he thought I was someone else he had talked to earlier. I am the type of person that listens to my gut and runs mainly on intuition which is why I searched so hard before I left for anything I could find before meeting him. Everytime I thought about handing over the money my gut gave me The Signal. I'm almost positive that someone else got scammed tonight by him, but specifically because of this page, it wasn't me. $70 may not be much to most people but to me its more money then I have. This guy is a Grade A piece of crap preying on desperate for work Las Vegans and there are many of us. Thank you for this post. Someday karma will catch up with him and he will pay his dues.

• (11/22/16) I just got scammed from a person name Richard iden

 

• (10/3/16) Same thing here. He said his name was James and his mom is deceased but she did business with us before. He had 159 pieces of ss flatware and hundreds of silver coins he was going to sell for $10 each. We are in Columbia, SC.

 

• (9/29/16) Tim Flemmons contacted me this morning from a blocked number but did send text from 702-955-0363 claiming to have 143 pieces of Kirk repousse Sterling flatware. A set that he said his mom did business with me in the past and said he should be able to get $800 which is $5 a piece. He also said he had one gold coin and 31 Morgan silver dollars. He said he needed money fast but could not afford shipping. Tried to get me to wire $241.00 I played along and after he said it was all packed up, I said send a pic… He said “I don't have time for this” I'll sell it to a pawn shop locally. So I sent him a pic of this post in you web site and said your probably being hunted right now… He said he would take the coins to a pawn show to gather the money for shipping. He did that because the total value is over $8000; and he wanted $2000. Most dealers want to stop you from getting another offer but that was a flag.  Beware - if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

 

• (9/23/16) Was just contacted by “Tim” (702-955-0363) with 160 Morgan Dollars and 159 Pc set of Repousse. Same story. Mother kept my number from years ago and wanted 25/pc for the dollars and 5/pc for the silverware. I am still waiting for a list of the pieces in the sterling set. Thought I had made my day until my friend at the local Coin Store ruined my day by telling me of this scam. Actually, he made my day too. Be careful.

 

• ( 9/12/16) James Salmeron just tried the same scam on me, called antiques shop w/same stories. Luckily my friend checked out his name on online and saved me. Thanks for posting the info I will pass this along. My antiques shope is in Inverness, FL.

 

• 9/6/2016) Just wanted to thank you for your site and info about James, aka, Richard Iben… I didn't wire any money for the sterling, toys and Eisenburg, but I was certainly considering it before I found your site… Thank you
  
  By the way… I'm in Mt Vernon, Iowa

 

• (8/22, 2016) James Robert Salmeron using only James, called me at 1:00 am monday 8/22/16 and left voice mail on phone , same story as your 8/19/16 report from Ron, Mountain View , Calf 94041. He called back today 8/23/16 needs $196.40 to ship the so called coins to me for an offer. He just does not have the money to ship them. I told him to only ship a small amount what ever he could afford and I would make him an offer then he could use that money to ship me the rest. He said he would get back to me. Ha ! Ha ! Hope he gets caught soon.

 

• (8/19, 2016) Just Scammed by James Robert Salmeron He called this morning said his mom died at 90 and she had sold coins to me in the past. He gave his address of 4455 E Twain Ave #B210 Las Vegas, NV 89121 His phone number is 702 955-0363 he answers it, so it is a real phone. someone should track the owner of the phone number and arrest him for interstate fraud! He said he was 70 on social security and needed $290. to ship 4 boxes to me of coins and carson city records for appraisal? He wanted money sent by WESTERN UNION & Tracking Number? Stupid me should of called the Mail Boxes Etc store he said he was using to ship from, He is very good as he has scammed hundreds of dealers, collectors and how many have not said they were fooled and have kept quiet? Ron, Mountain View, Calif 94041

• (8/13, 2016) Hi All, James Salmeron (coins, sterling repousse & Eisenberg scammer) nearly got me yesterday 8/13/16 using a phone number (702) 955-0363.
  
  The red flags I had were
  1) His original rambling voicemail seemed almost as if he was reading off a script.
  2) When speaking with him he uncannily knew which pieces of Eisenberg to casually 'name drop'that would really create excitement.
  3) His original quote for shipping (prior to “with discount”) was insane, which made the reduced shipping seam reasonable considering the incredible value you'd receive in just a few days time.
  
  I actually made it down to the Walmart and while standing in line I decided I'd be an idiot to at least not look up his name and address now that I had it. It just felt too good to be true, despite still being a lot of money. I'm as skeptical as they come, and his story was very plausible, I can totally understand folks falling for this, with the depth and seeming genuineness of the tale.
  
  Besides the seemingly rehearsed sound, be ware of the “details” he drops that really should raise the “too good to be true” hairs, additionally, I did become more suspicious the further he went into detail on his various sad story “issues”. In one breath he was decrying his $500 car payment, and in the next saying he'd load everything in the car, which he doesn't drive because of the Chemo (never had mentioned that prior). etc.
  
  Does anyone have any follow up from any reporting agency?

 

• (8/12, 2016) Regarding the ridiculous scammer using the # 702 955 0363 and many aliases. If anyone has contact with LVPD, please send them my way. I am a coin autograph and stamp dealer he called. He left a long rambling phony message I saved, happy to give it to the police in LV. I can be reached at 310 903 6662. Gregg S.

 

• (8/11/2016) Richard Iden called my antique store again this morning. His new phone number is 702-955-0363 on caller ID. He did not leave a message. Apparently he had forgotten that he had already scammed me. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Fraud Department is currently working on this case. I fell for his scam. He used the name John Ward. I sent $1,000.00 money gram to Johntrial Ward.
  
  I join the group of other trusting naive dealers, that fell for this con. He talks about his mother and her sister that sold me things in the past in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is selling his mother's Eisenberg costume jewelry and S Kirk & Sons sterling silver flatware set, service for 12.
  
  He is making a living scamming us. Hope it ends soon.

 

• (8/11, 2016) This scam artist called from 702-95- 0363 & tried his carson city silver dollar and $20 gold piece scam on me. I texted him back this after I found this site: “http://coinopclub.org/entry/beware-current-internet-scams”. This entire website is about YOU and your scamming/criminal behavior even upto/including yesterday. I will add my name on there later and give the Las Vegas Police Dept a call. I have good connections in LV.     You might want to stop the B.S. and lies and phonecalls before the police show up at your door. Sociopaths and pathological liars like you belong in prison, what a sick story to make up to scam people out of a pittance of $. I should have suspected it as the prices were too good. Bye.

 

• (8/10, 2016)  We are a coin dealer in Colorado, and got hit with the CC coins scam on 8/10/16. Most everything was the same, his address on 4455 Twain Av,the story, the Richard Iden on caller ID, the coins, etc, except the name used was James Salmeron. No prices were mentioned for any coins, only “fair offer”. He said he had sold some dollars at a local pawn shop for $17, living on a fixed income and needed money to finish paying for his mother's funeral. He wanted us to wire him $388.14 for shipping. He said he got our name from mother's estate, supposedly had sold us coins some time back.

 

• (8/9, 2016  I fell for this guy.  Does anybody have his REAL name? He got me good. I have never fallen for a scam but this guy finally got me. I sent him cash and then Googled his number. So stupid of me.

 

• (8/5, 2016) We are a coin shop located in Northern California and we got a call from this scammer today.  Another attempt by “Ameer Carpenter” (phone caller ID “Richard Iden”) requesting money ($200+) to have a large collection of CC mint coins shipped from Las Vegas with the help of his friend who is a manager at Mailboxes Etc. Claimed he was the son of a former customer and she had told him to sell her coins to us if she passed away. Claimed to be 70, gave tremendous detail.  Found your website, so when he called back we said we should probably just fly there to check the coins out. We asked him for his address and he began, “4455 East Twain Avenue…” then *click* and the call dropped. Very smooth operator.

 

• (8/5, 2016)  PHONE SCAM - Just called our shop…tried to get us to wire him funds to ship us a large coin collection that he has for sale. Said his mother and Aunt had sold us coins in the past. Made it sound like he had records from the Carson City Mint and a large amount of Carson City Dollars and Gold.

 

• (8/1, 2016) This person used the name of Ameer Carpenter and said his address was 4455 east Twain Abe,#b 218. This guy scammed me for $200 for what was supposed to be for shipping of Coins. Boy do I feel stupid for falling for this guys scam.

 

• (8/1, 2016) John Ward, Johntrail Ward must be the same person as Timothy Flemmons, Richard Iden, Richard Ivan, and Richard Otten. I fell for the story about his mother working for Marshall Fields, dying and the aunt selling me something years ago. He said his mother asked him to sell her items to me. He was going to send 96 pieces of his mother's Eisenberg jewelry, and sterling flatware set of S Kirk & Sons Repose service for 12. He said he has cancer, is on chemo, sleeps much so missed some of my calls. He lives in Las Vegas, 4455 E Twain Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121. His phone number is (702) 502-4466. I sent him a $1,000.00 money gram and then never heard from him again. I have reported it to the Las Vegas Fraud Division

 

• (7/26, 2016) He called and claimed he had 135 Carson City Morgan Dollars from his Mother and Aunt, that were received from his Great Grandfather who worked at the Carson City Mint for 40 Years. He claimed to have the “Leather Bound Production Logs” for 40 years. He said the the mother and sister had passed away and that he only wanted $30.00 a piece for the Dollars.He said that he also had a $20.00 Double Eagle that he wanted 750.00. He said that he was selling them cheap because he needed the money for rent and that he was unable to come up with the shipping cost to mail the coins and the books with insurance. He would need $250.00 to cover the cost of insured shipping. This guy had a believable back story however we didn't fall for it.   Beware and Use common sense. He is Calling Coin Shops/Dealers all over the country! We are located in Michigan.

 

• (7/19, 2016) We are a coin dealer in Arizona,  we just received a call from Richard with pretty much the same story he gave you and is asking us to Money Gram him $238 for shipping his items to our store. Thank you for posting this information.

 

• (7/18, 2016) Received call from someone named Timothy Flemmons of 4455 EastTwain Ave. , Las Vegas,NV 89121, phone number 702-955-0363 on 7/18/2016. This person wanted me to send him a money gram for $343.83 to pay for shipment of numerous CC mint coins. This sounded like a scam to me so I checked your website. Thanks for the info.hopefully, this scammer gets stopped.

 

• (7/2, 2016) I received a message and called him back. I spoke to the man who said his name was “Timothy Flemmons”. He claimed that I had purchased antiques from his aunt who lived with her twin sister (his mother). When the aunt died, his mother moved to be with him in Las Vegas. He claimed she recently died and needed money to cover the funeral. He offered a 12 piece Kirk repousse sterling silver service with serving pieces for $750. He also said his mother worked for Marshall Fields and bought costume jewelry by Eisenberg. He wanted to sell 80 pieces of that at $5 each. He claimed to have 5 1930's Marx metal wind up toys in the boxes that belonged to his uncle. He wanted $200 for those.  Lastly, he said he had a bag of silver dollar coins he wanted $10 each for. The dreamer in me wanted to believe this, but I'd never send money to a stranger even if he claims his family knew me. I asked if he could send things to me but he didn't have money for shipping. I suggested COD but said a moneygram of $94.10 would cover the shipping. I called his local UPS office and arranged for me to pay the office directly. When he called back to get his reference number for the moneygram, I informed him that I could directly pay or he could ship on my fedex account. He got furious and hung up saying that I wasted his time.

 

• (6/26) Hello,I am glad I searched this bums phone number on Google and found this site. Same guy, same story. Had all these uncirculated Carson City coins he wanted to sell at a cheap price to which I told him they were worth much more. Also had a bunch of Roseville pottery he wanted to sell me. I wish people would get a job and stop scamming. Ridiculous! Now to call the authorities.

 

• (6/25/ 2016) Hello, I am reporting another attempted scam by Richard Iden, he called me from 702-502-4466 and stated that he had 135 Carson City Morgans, a 1877-CC $20 Gold Liberty, and two 1875-CC Twenty Cent Pieces and that he wanted $30 a piece for the Morgans, $700 for the $20, and $100 for the Twenty Cent Pieces. Told me his mother gave him my name and number and told him to contact us here at Goldmine when she passed away.

 

• (6/23/2016) Hello- thanks for sharing your fraud info about Richard Iden at the address and phone number you reported. He contacted us today and had a convincing story that sounded like one of our customers we had dealt with last year. I have reported him to the Vegas Fraud Dept. We just wanted to let you know he was still out there. We just wanted to say thank you and let you know our experience. Cheers! Robert

 

• (6/22/2016) I own a coin shop in CA. and I was contacted by Richard Iven and he stated he had a coin collection from his mother who passed away with many CC dollars and Gold from the CC Mint. He said he was 70 years old. He wanted to ship them to me, but could not afford to he stated. I told him I was close enough to come and see him and he made many excuses even up to having chemotherapy treatments as to reasons he would be unable to meet me. I was never going to send money, but I could see where someone might at the thought of getting a great collection at a discount price.

 

• “Thank you for posting the information about Richard Iden.” “Richard Iden contacted us today, wanted to sell us Morgan Silver Dollars, flatware and toys. He wanted us to send a moneygram for $363.85 to pay to have silver coins, tin toys and flatware shipped to us. He called from 702-502-4466. Said his address was 4455 East Twain Ave., Las Vegas NV 89121.”

 

At least two other COCA members have experienced attempted scams in the last few weeks. The latest one was an attempt to trick collector/dealer Larry DeBaugh. The scammer tried to get Larry to send him funds for Rol-A-Top slot machines at below market prices and also tried to get him to send funds for Carson City silver dollars. 

Larry was not fooled by the bum. You can see the alert posted on the front page of the DeBaugh WEBSITE. This snake goes by the name Richard Iden and has arrests in Kentucky and Texas and who knows where else. His cell phone number is 702-986-3164.{image_1}

Another recent scam attempt was made on COCA member Jack Freund. A potential buyer overnighted to Jack a very good forgery of a postal money order. It was made out for more than the amount quoted to purchase a gum ball machine.  He asked Jack to deposit the money order and refund the difference to him. Jack was quick to recognize this old scam and toyed with the crook for a while before informing him that he “did not make change”.

Folks, it’s still a jungle out there and the internet makes it easier for these con artists.  Let’s all beware and work together to stop these shenanigans!  Please let us know if you have experienced any attempts lately.

COCA Member Charles Kemp offers this advice:   This is the FBI website to file a claim for internet fraud:  CLICK HERE
It may be helpful when dealing with the scam artist. I used it to collect on a bad check that I received several years ago.

HERE IS SOME MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCAMMERS FROM COCA MEMBER MIKE MONTOYA:
After 40 years of Federal Law Enforcement I recently retired and advise numerous companies about safety and security.

Report any and all Internet scams to the FBI, getting involved by yourself could be dangerous.

Never ever send funds or invite a total stranger into your home to make a sale of your coin operated items, a public place like a Police Department parking lot is ideal, if they are legit, they will show up.

Have a friend or relative contact you by cell phone 4 minutes after you have met the party you are selling to or buying antiques from, if you don't respond have them call 911, always give your location, take someone with you.

If you become a victim, write down as much information that you can remember, get a license plate number and call 911.

Please report any attempted scams HERE

Kane County Advertising and Coin-Op Show Returns!

Kane County Advertising and Coin-Op Show Returns!

Kane County Fairgrounds Ad Show: March 29, 30, 31, 2016

The Kane County Chicago Show is Back!...and BETTER than EVER! Join us in the large new heated EXPOSITION HALL. Located at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road, St.Charles, IL.

• Cash Register Collectors Club SWAP MEET Thursday Morning

 

The cost for inside dealers is 1 booth..$100, 2 Booths $180, 3 Booths..$250. (Booth includes 3 tables).

Outside spaces are available for only $65

• Early buyer admission is $40 Tuesday 3/29,  9am-6pm
• Early Buyer admission is $20 Wednesday 3/30, 7am-11am

General Admission begins Wednesday at 11am for $5,    General admission 7:30am Thursday is $5.

The show will feature Vintage Advertising, Coin-Ops, Jukes, Slots, Vending, Trade Stimulators, Arcade, & More Great Stuff!

For more information contact DALE ROBINSON  DaleRobinson77@yahoo.com  630-688-6287{image_1}{image_2}

COCA Website Updates and New Construction

Our COCA Club website has been under construction for the last few weeks.  We are adding some new pages and making other changes to improve your experience.  There may be occasions when you are unable to log in or access some pages. Please bear with us during this process. You also may not be able to post a picture with your classified ad. We hope to have everything back to normal very soon and apologize for any inconvenience.  Thanks for your patience.

Silent Auction at Fall COCA Meeting

The Fall COCA Meeting will be held on Thursday November 12th at the Hilton Garden Inn, St. Charles Illinois.  A silent auction will be held during the meeting. Please join us for complimentary desserts.  We will be electing new officers and presenting the 2015 COCA Hall Of Fame Award. Details for the 2016 Denver Convention will also be discussed.  See You There!

Featuring a silent auction of more than 150 coin-op related paper items donated by Jim Smith, son of the late Dr. Smith, and Mickey Ragsdale.  Items to be sold include hard back books, paperback books, magazines, auction catalogs, manufacturer’s catalog reprints, price guides and other interesting paper items from Dr. Smith’s collection. Many of these are out of print and hard to find items.

 

• There is no charge to attend this event. 

 

• No reservation is necessary
   

    6:30 p.m. Silent Auction open for viewing and bidding.

 

    7:00 p.m. - FREE Dessert, Coffee, Tea,  (cash bar)- Provided by COCA.

 

    7:15 p.m. - Business Meeting - Election Of Officers - Presentation of 2015 COCA Hall of Fame Award - 2016 Denver Convention Update.

 

    8:00 p.m. Silent Auction Ends.
 

 

 

Sept 19-20 Potter & Potter Chicago Auction Features Over 100 Coin-ops

The September auction will feature vintage advertising and more than 100 coin-ops. Already slated for the sale is a choice grouping of vintage gum advertising, including clocks, vending machines, in-store advertising and signs. Counter displays, Coca-Cola collectibles, and more will fill out the advertising portion of the auction. A robust selection of vintage advertising posters, advertising products, movies, travel, and circus, will also be featured.

 

The sale takes place at 10:00 am on Saturday & Sunday, September 19th & 20th in the Chicago Gallery. Catalogs ship approximately three weeks prior to the sale. Previews take place in the gallery in the days preceding the auction, from 10am - 5pm, CST.

 

There will be live, internet and absentee bidding.  There will be no phone bidding at this auction.  A 20% buyers premium will be charged.

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Advertising, Coin-Op & Vintage Posters 2 Days Sept 19 & 20

3759 N. Ravenswood, Suite 121, Chicago, IL 60613

Most of the COIN-OP will be sold on day 2 (Pages 112-128)

Potter & Potter Website   Download the Catalog HERE

Click Here for Day one Internet Bidding

Click Here for Day Two Internet Bidding (COIN-OPS)

 

Denver to host COCA National Convention July 21-24 2016

There is still time to register for the July COCA Convention. Don't miss this opportunity to see great coin-op and have fun with your fellow collectors! REGISTER BEFORE SATURDAY JULY 9TH     DO IT NOW!

Denver, Colorado has been selected as the host city for the 2016 COCA National Convention. Home of the Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies, COCA members should enjoy the great weather, scenery and collections. The convention will be start on Thursday July 21st and continue through the 24th weekend.

{image_1}The club will tour several great collections along with a scenic train ride through the mountains. Plan now to attend one of our best conventions ever. The registration fee for the convention is only $159 per person. The host hotel will be The Embassy Suites Denver Southeast.—7525 E Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO  80231. Phone (303) 696-6644.  The hotel was completely remodeled in 2015 and has a “brand new” feel. The location is convenient to collections we will view to the north, south, and west.

The COCA rate is only $129 for 1 King or 2 Double Beds. These spacious two-room suites offer a separate living area with sofa bed, armchair, executive kitchen area with wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker FREE Parking and FREE standard WiFi.

Room block reserved for July 21, 2016 - July 24, 2016. The special room rate will be available until June 22nd or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.  If you want to come in early or stay later just call the hotel directly to reserve at same rate. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A ROOM  The Group Code is: XCO.  

Your stay in Denver includes FREE All You Can Eat Full Cooked-to-Order Breakfasts and Complimentary Evening Receptions (FREE DRINKS!) held in the relaxing, lush, tropical atrium.  This will provide a great environment to meet old friends and make some new ones!

The fun begins on Thursday 7/21. The first collector tour is scheduled for Thursday afternoon so try to schedule travel to arrive by early afternoon. All of the collections are easily accessible by car and have ample free parking. This will be a self-drive convention.

Some members have expressed interest in optional bus transportation to the events. If you are interested in finding out more about this option, please contact Cathy Morris:   catherine@ati-ia.com

On Thursday evening we will have a private welcome reception at the hotel with snack & hors d’oeuvre buffet and open bar, followed by room to room trading.   Registration packets will be available.

THERE WILL BE LOT OF GREAT COIN-OP TO SEE AT THIS CONVENTION! Ten Colorado collectors have agreed to open their homes for tours. Collections will include a wide variety including gambling, advertising, vending machines, country store, cars, soda fountain, arcade and more.  You will see some of the best cast iron, uprights, roulettes, oddball machines, early match vendors, trade stimulators, slot machines, cigar cutters, pinballs, fabulous advertising, classic automobiles, general store, soda pop, and mechanical music in the world.

Friday afternoon will feature a motor coach ride to the mountains with Honey Baked Ham assorted sandwiches on the trip.  Choose from roast beef, ham, turkey, club or veggie.  Box lunch comes with potato chips, cookie and a drink.  We will then board the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a scenic trip through the Colorado mountains.  This trip includes Seasonal Artisan Cheese Plate featuring Four Cheeses. (Beer and Wine Cash Bar available.) 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A DRONE VIDEO THAT DAVE BURRIT SHOT OF THE GEORGETOWN RAILROAD

The first 106 people to register will get to ride in enclosed parlor cars.  Additional people will be in regular cars but can move into parlor cars when the train stops.  We will return to the hotel by 6pm and enjoy a Pasta Buffet Dinner with salad and dessert, taking advantage of the FREE Embassy Suites reception for beverages. 

Saturday night Group Dinner and Final Collector Tour:  At the host home we will have a Gala BBQ Farewell dinner with all the fixings after we tour! Optional bus transportation to this event will be available for an additional $15 per person.   This collection is just 15 minutes from hotel so driving and car pools are also possible.     

Sunday Morning Optional activity:  If there is enough interest the Forney Museum will open early for us to tour at 10am.   The Forney Museum of Transportation is a one-of-a-kind collection of over 600 artifacts relating to historical transportation. It includes not just vehicles, but also buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, rail equipment, fire apparatus, public transportation, sleighs, bicycles, toys & die cast models, vintage apparel and much, much more!   Additional cost per person is $11.  Please add that amount to your registration if you want to tour!  Regular operating hours on Sunday are 12-4 if we do not have enough for a group tour.   Forney Museum Website

 

 VIEW & PRINT THE CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM HERE

Please make all checks payable to COCA

 

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COCA Local Gathering in NORTH CAROLINA Sun. 9/13

North Carolina to host a COCA regional gathering this summer.  Plan now to spend some time with your old coin-op friends and meet some new ones.  If you have any coin-op or game room goodies for sale or for show and tell please bring them with you.  All COCA members are welcome.  See you there!

If you would like to host a COCA gathering please CONTACT US.  We will be happy to help you organize your event.

Chuck and Betty Friedman will host their annual barbeque at their home in Wendell NC. (East of Raleigh) on Sunday, September 13th at 4pm. You will enjoy the Friedman’s great collection of coin-op, advertising, country store and a whole lot more.

Here are the details for the current gatherings, please RSVP if you plan to attend:

OHIO LOCAL GATHERING

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.Enjoy the fellowship, catch a fish or ride the paddle boat at the Friedman's!

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• North Carolina Regional COCA Gathering RIB FEST: September 13, 2015

 

SAVE THE DATE!  Chuck & Betty Friedman invite you to attend a COCA RIB FEST in honor of Ken & Jackie Durham's annual Fall visit,  at their home near Raleigh, NC on Sunday September, 13th @ 4 PM.  All COCA Members are welcome!

 

•     The Friedmans will provide Barbecue Ribs, Chicken Wings, & Baked Beans.
•     Bring your partner or friend, your favorite fluid.  Optional side dish welcome, but not required.
•     Also please bring any Coin-Op or other game room goodies For Sale or Show & Tell.

 

Please R.S.V.P. or for more info use the COCA Contact Form or friedmanchuck@gmail.com or call 919-266-5313 or 919-880-3184

Chuck & Betty Friedman, 6805 Bethany Church Road, Wendell, NC 27591

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Morphy’s Las Vegas sets new world auction records

Rare antique gambling machines finished in the winners’ circle at Morphy’s $3.7 million coin-op & advertising auction, May 1-3 in Las Vegas.

Caille 5-cent roulette slot machine set a new world auction record, selling for $300,000{image_1}

LAS VEGAS – Morphy’s hit the jackpot over the weekend of May 1-3 in Las Vegas, with a $3.7 million auction of antique coin-ops, gambling machines and advertising. Leading the parade of beautifully preserved gaming rarities was a Caille Peerless 5-cent floor roulette slot machine in spectacular original condition. Described as “one of, if not the best example known,” the richly embellished nickel-on-oak device set a new world auction record for a slot machine when it cashed out at $300,000 after two floor bidders went toe to toe like Mayweather and Pacquiao. All prices quoted include 20% buyer’s premium.

“We expected there would be a lot of competition for that particular machine,” said Morphy Auctions president and founder, Dan Morphy. “It had everything going for it and was a connoisseur’s piece. Whenever an item comes up with such originality and such a beautiful patina, it draws the attention of the most serious of collectors.”

An imposing 70-inch-tall deluxe model Mills Duplex upright slot machine made in 1899 retained its colorful original tin wheel, and like the Caille Peerless, was one of the best preserved of all known survivors. Against an estimate of $80,000-$100,000, it confidently rang up a winning bid of $108,000.

Made around 1901, a Caille Black Cat musical upright slot machine finished just below its high estimate, at $98,000; while another Caille production – a 5-cent Lion slot machine with original mint-condition wheel and glass settled within its estimate range at $66,000.

An exotic-looking 1905 Multiphone music machine, known as the world’s first “selective automatic jukebox,” was designed to play any of 24 selections from Edison cylinder records. With its extravagantly carved and decorated Art Nouveau upright case, it was just as much a work of art as it was a music source. It ended its bidding run with an above-estimate selling price of $65,000.

There was plenty of retro sports action going on beneath the glass window of a 1937 Rock-Ola 5-cent World Series baseball game. Encased in an oak console and with an All-Star roster on the diamond, the 5-cent machine knocked it out of the park with a $60,000 winning bid.

Another sports-themed amusement machine, “Trophy Golf” paid its winners by dispensing golf balls through the front of its cabinet. Estimated at $15,000-$20,000, it commanded an impressive $30,000 top bid. Another favorite of a similar nature was a circa-1936 Superior 25-cent slot machine stocked with golf ball prizes. The 65-inch-tall three-reeler finished in the green at $36,000.

Exhibiting graceful Art Deco lines and a quintessential 1920s/’30s color scheme of black with silver and tangerine accents, a H.C. Evans 5-cent “Roll-Etto” roulette slot machine nearly doubled its high estimate at $57,000.

Other highlights including a circa-1912 Caille Silver Cup 5-cent slot machine, $47,000; a Mills 5-cent Little Scarab roulette trade stimulator, $35,000; and an Esco Cuckoo-Clock 1-cent strength tester arcade game, $34,000.

Peter Sidlow, president of Morphy Auctions Las Vegas, said the event attracted a large and motivated crowd of 250 to 300 people, many of them new customers. “The phones and Internet were very busy, as well,” Sidlow said. “I don’t have the final figures, but I would say 35 to 40 percent of the sale sold to online bidders. Everything went as smooth as silk, and both the buyers and consignors were very happy.”

Dan Morphy added: “Our May coin-op auction in Las Vegas was a huge success for Morphy’s. We broke many records and showed what we’re capable of achieving when it comes to auctioning antique gambling, coin-op and penny arcade machines. The sale also gave us the opportunity to show why last year’s merger of Victorian Casino Auctions and Morphy’s has been nothing but a welcomed move, both by consignors and customers. From the quality of the catalog’s design and descriptions to the marketing and execution of the sale, everything contributed to what was undeniably a first-class production.”

To discuss consigning antique/vintage coin-ops, gambling machines or advertising to a future Morphy auction, call Dan Morphy at 717-335-3435 or email info@morphyauctions.com.     Visit Morphy’s website HERE

 

View the hammer prices in the online link below, add 20% buyers premium to get the total sale price.

VIEW THE COMPLETE RESULTS WITH PHOTOS HERE
 

 

Rich Penn May Auction features great Coin-Op, Advertising and Petroliana

May is the month when things start to spring up and fill the world around us with bright colors. The May Rich Penn Auction event is a colorful example of that. Gas and oil memorabilia has popped up from the massive Earl Cheese collection and is being offered along with the superb collection of the late Jim Gerchow. Both collections offer a tremendous amount of quality multi-color porcelain, neon and tin signs, light-up clocks and gas globes and a wide variety of other petroleum memorabilia. This could no doubt be the premier gas & oil auction of the year.

 

This Rich Penn Auction event is May 1 - 3 and is held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Preview day is May 1 and the auction event starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday & Sunday.

 

But there’s much more than gas & oil. Every “man cave gas station” had more than just petroliana. Many gas stations also had peanut and candy vending machines, scales, soda machines, coin operated rides and some even had slot machines. All those items will be represented and more.  With a number of rare and unusual machines in the offering, favorites will be difficult to pick.

 

{image_7}For the thirsty garage crew, a pair of completely restored Coca-Cola machines: a Vendo 44 and a Vendo 81 will keep your bottles of Coke well chilled. To keep the kids occupied while you’re wrenching on that street rod, drop a nickel in the great original condition Wurlitzer #780 Juke Box or drop a dime in the perfectly restored Indian Motorcycle Kiddie Ride.

 

{image_8}Certain to generate strong interest is “The King” peanut vending machine. With no other example known, it’s lineage is a mystery. A cast iron vender, standing on four feet, it’s well marked with it’s name “The King” in raised letter surrounding the coin entry and handle. The finish appears to be all original.{image_1}

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Another rare machine in the auction was made by the Unit Sales Company in Omaha. Both a Strength Tester and Cigar Lighter, you could light up and test your grip for 1 cent! If you were more inclined to drop your coins in a gambling machine, there are several, including a c.1930’s Mills Lion front slot, a 25 cent Jennings Sun Chief Buckaroo with a Nevada Club marquee and a 10 cent Jennings Prospector club console. Both Jennings machines are wonderfully restored.{image_5}

 

{image_6}For a c.1900’s high tech slot machine, nothing would be more desirable than the Paul Berger 5 cent electric floor model slot machine. Designed to originally work on batteries, this machine has been expertly restored and is fully functional on 110 volts. A rare machine in rare condition! Two other rare and expertly restored machines are both scales.

 

The Washington 1 cent scale is highly sought after because of the great dial graphics of George Washington. Made by the Caille Bros., c.1905, this walnut/mahogany cabinet machine is serial number 3679. The other scale, c.1910, is cast iron and made by the Caille Bros. for Cadillac Scale Co. in Easton, PA. Called the “Weight Teller,” it carries serial number 594.{image_2}{image_4}

As with all Rich Penn Auctions, there will be two full days of live bidding on site in addition to online bidding through LiveAuctioneers, iCollector and on Penn's web site. Go to RichPenn Auctions.com ; to register or to preview the auction and take a look at some of the preview videos on YouTube. Absentee and phone bidding are both always welcome.

 

Auction preview will be on Friday, May 1, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm and from 8:00 am to auction start each day. Full color catalogs will be available for $40, including post auction prices realized.

 

To order a catalog or for additional information: contact Rich Penn Auctions at 319-291-6688 between 9 AM & 5 PM CST, M-F.

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COCA Members Meet in Florida for October 2014 Annual Convention

Our 11th annual COCA convention was another great treat for our members and their guests as we were welcomed to the Boca Raton/Fort Lauderdale Florida East coast.  The Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort served as headquarters for three days of fun, food and touring.

{image_1}We saw six great collections that featured gambling machines, vending,  penny arcade, jukeboxes, classic cars, and a backyard museum filled with more different types of great antiques than you can imagine.  Like all of the previous 10 conventions there was much more than just great coin-op to appreciate.

Marsh Blau, COCA Convention Director, coordinated a full schedule that included tasty dining, touring and still provided enough time for meeting new friends and reuniting with old ones.  All of the tours were very well planned.  Many of the stops had items for sale and there was a silent auction during the Friday night Banquet.

On Saturday evening we were treated to an outdoor Barbecue that was followed by a Wurlitzer Theatre organ concert with a live organist.  This memorable evening may be the number one event of any past or future convention.{image_2}

The convention was sandwiched between a major coin-op auction and the Chicagoland show.  This may have contributed to a somewhat smaller crowd than normal that attended.  The group that was there was well rewarded with another successful COCA convention and memories that will last a lifetime.{image_3}

Thanks to all of you that forwarded their pictures of the convention. Special thanks to all of the folks that opened their homes and collections for tour.  We enjoyed your great hospitality and look forward to seeing you again at future COCA events.

CLICK here to view Bill’s photo gallery of the 2014 Florida Convention

CLICK here to view Marsha’s photo gallery of the 2014 Florida convention.

 

 

Bill Petrochuk Inducted Into COCA Hall Of Fame

At the November COCA meeting in Chicago, Bill Petrochuk was the honored recipient of the 2014 COCA Hall of Fame Award.  The etched crystal award was presented by COCA Hall of Fame committee chairman Erick Johnson.

This award is presented annually to those that have made “significant contributions” to the betterment of our club and/or the hobby of collecting coin operated machines.

{image_1}Bill first remembers playing a slot machine in the mid 1950’s when he was six years old.  Through a strange coincidence he obtained that exact same machine in 1971 for free.  After a series of other strange coin-op coincidences he decided he was destined to collect coin-op. 

His fascination with their complex mechanisms and the artistic beauty of the machines continues today. His focus has always been on gambling machines.  Currently he maintains a collection of over 400 trade stimulators and slots along with a few penny arcade machines.

Bill was recognized for his outstanding service and contributions to the club.  He served as the chairman of the first and seventh COCA national conventions.  He was COCA President for four years and he has opened his home for tours during conventions and local gatherings.{image_2}

He chaired the committee that developed our current website and continues to serve as the website editor.  He has recruited numerous candidates to serve as COCA officers and individuals to speak at our meetings.  And, it was Bill’s idea to start the COCA Hall Of Fame.

Bill has written several articles for COCA Times Magazine along with articles that appeared in Antique Week and Southeastern Antiquing magazines.  Bill continues to serve as an ambassador for COCA by recruiting and mentoring new members.  He welcomes all questions from other coin-op enthusiasts.

 

 

President Doug Cain, Bill Petrochuk & H.O.F. Chairman Erick Johnson - Pictures by Sandy Lechtick

 

 

Fabled William F. Harrah collection draws heavy hitters to Morphy’s & VCA

LAS VEGAS – If any name is synonymous with Las Vegas, it’s “Harrah” – in particular, William F. Harrah (1911-1978), visionary founder of Harrah’s Hotel and Casinos. So it came as no surprise when antique and vintage gambling machines from Harrah’s personal collection landed in six-figure territory in Victorian Casino Antiques’ Sept. 19-21, 2014 auction – the first event conducted since Morphy Auctions’ August acquisition of VCA. The high-profile event garnered $2,381,700 (all prices quoted inclusive of 20% buyer’s premium), with many of the top-finishing lots coming from the Harrah collection.

“There can be no question that the Harrah machines brought the people in. Once here, they ended up buying other things, as well. The collection was a very good drawcard,” said VCA president Peter Sidlow. While the event attracted more than 350 people to the gallery, phone and Internet bidders proved to be formidable contenders.

“Many things went to overseas bidders,” Sidlow said. “We’re still in the process of shipping items to places like Belgium, Germany and England.”

{image_1}Leading the 1,700-lot offering was Harrah’s Caille 25-cent roulette floor machine, a handsome circa-1904 wood-cased production with ornate repousse nickel-plated embellishments. Against an estimate of $150,000-$175,000, it sold to an American collector for $212,500.

Made around 1899, a very fancy, beautifully restored Mills 5-cent Duplex floor wheel machine – ex Harrah collection – landed within estimate at $108,000. Another rare upright, a Mills 50-cent “20th Century” slot machine, achieved its estimate range with a winning bid of $42,000.

Adding a melodic accompaniment to the auction, a 1912 Mills 5-cent upright Violano Virtuoso displayed the ingenious features that led to is being named in its day as one of the “Eight Greatest Inventions of the Decade.” It surpassed its presale estimate to settle at a strong $51,600.

Mills manufactured many countertop models, including their ornate circa-1901 Busy Bee. The rare example in VCA’s auction retained its original wheel with bee motif and was in excellent condition. It more than doubled its high estimate in reaching $44,400. Another desirable trade stimulator, a circa-1902 Royal Novelty Co. 5-reel poker machine that paid its winners in cigars, ended its bidding run at a smoking $33,000.

A circa-1929 Mills/Hoke “Trap the Snake” table-model bell slot machine with eye-catching serpent graphics and working skill stops was presented in fully operational, all-original condition. It easily exceeded its high estimate to earn $45,000, a price that Sidlow believes may be the highest ever paid for a three-reel slot machine.{image_2}

A 5-cent Automatic Dice Fortune Teller amusement machine made by Clawson Slot Machine Co., of Newark, N.J., was in excellent original condition and came complete with its vertical stand. It sold for twice its high estimate at $30,000.

There was no end to the variety of items available to collectors of advertising and country-store items. An especially nice example of an antique Angldile Springless Automatic Scale, with a sign promising “Honest Weight,” commanded twice its high estimate and then some, at $5,100. From much later in the 20th century, a 7ft 8in painted figural statue of the iconic Big boy restaurant mascot “running” with a giant burger in his hands delivered a $7,800 bid.

Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions, expressed his unqualified satisfaction with the results of Morphy/VCA’s first collaboration and said he was especially pleased with the way the Las Vegas and Pennsylvania flagship teams had worked together in one united effort.

“My staff and I were warmly greeted in Las Vegas. We were there with one goal in mind – to join forces with the VCA team and produce the best auction possible, and I think it’s safe to say we succeeded,” Morphy said.

“We don’t want Victorian Casino to change anything about the way they conduct their sales now that they’re operating under the Morphy banner, because their methods have been very successful in the past and are actually quite similar to our own,” Morphy continued. “Any changes in the way the first join sale was produced were very minor. Their way of doing business blends seamlessly with the way we have always operated at Morphy’s. They uphold the same high standards for quality and customer service as we do at Morphy’s Pennsylvania headquarters.”

The next Morphy’s & Victorian Casino auction will be held on January 23, 24 and 25, 2015 at the Las Vegas gallery and will feature a large selection of antique advertising. To enquire about consigning, contact Peter or Dan Sidlow by calling 702-382-2466 or VIA EMAIL. Visit Morphy Auctions online HERE

• VIEW THE COMPLETE 3 DAY RESULTS HERE

Other top sellers include:

#590 –Caille 5-cent ‘Busy Bee’ cast-iron countertop trade stimulator, $44,400.

#594 –Royal Novelty co. ‘The Trader’ 5-reel poker machine/trade stimulator, circa 1902, pays off in cigars, $33,000.

#605 –‘Trap the Snake’ 3-reel bell slot machine, $45,000, possibly the highest price every paid at auction for a 3-reel machine.

#610 –Mills 50-cent ‘20th Century’ upright slot machine, circa 1900, $42,000. Morphy Auctions image

#615 –Caille 25-cent roulette floor machine, circa 1904, ex Harrah collection, top lot of the sale at $212,500.

#620 –Mills 5-cent Duplex floor wheel machine, circa 1899, ex Harrah collection, $108,000.

#821 –Angdile Springless Automatic Scale with etched-glass tray, $5,100.

#930 –Mills 5-cent ‘Violano Virtuoso, patented 1912, $51,600.

 

 

 

 

 

COCA 12th Annual Coin-Op Convention, JULY 17-19, 2015 in Southern California

THE CONVENTION IS SOLD OUT!  If you would like to place your name on the waiting list, please contact Marsha Blau-  414-350-7623.  If there are any cancellations you will be notified.

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• or contact Marsha via email at: VicePresident@coinopclub.org

 

Join fellow C.O.C.A. members in Southern California for three days of fun-filled activities at our 12th Annual Summer Convention. Meet old and new friends while spending your weekend viewing some of the best coin-op & collectibles in the country. Convention will start at 9:00 AM on Friday. For attendees planning to be in the area on Thursday, July 16th, we plan to have additional open house opportunities available.

{image_1}Convention headquarters will be THE ANZA HOTEL.  The discounted COCA rate is $169 + tax per night for a single or double occupancy room.  For room reservations call the hotel directly at 1-800-893-768 & request the COCA rate or

Click Here to book online, enter this group code for COCA rates: 150601COIN  (all caps for COIN).

The convention registration fee is $229 per person. This includes:

• Motorcoach transportation to Friday’s tours (Saturday is self-drive)
• Visits to significant coin-op collections of fellow C.O.C.A. members
• A guided tour of the Nethercutt Collection
• Friday lunch at il Segreto Ristorante of Bel Air
• Friday dinner at Roy’s in Woodland Hills
• Saturday lunch at Marmalade Café in Calabasas
• Saturday evening catered barbeque dinner at Agua Dulce Wineryt.
• Motorcoach transportation to all Friday events….Optional transportation is available for Saturday events.

If you have any questions please contact Marsha Blau-  414-350-7623 or via email at: VicePresident@coinopclub.org

View and print the convention registration form HERE

The timeline for the convention is Friday July 17 - Sunday July 19. We will be starting the convention at about 9 am Friday and end it at about noon on Sunday.

 

The convention will have a combination of bus and self-drive. On Friday during the day, we will all be taking the bus. Saturday night, we will all take the bus to our evening event—wine tasting and BBQ dinner with a country music band. The tours on Saturday during the day and Sunday are very close to the host hotel and are self-drive. If we get enough requests to add an optional bus for Saturday during the day, at a reasonable price, we may consider adding one. We will need a minimum of 20 people for this bus to work.

 

The Anza Hotel, which is the host hotel for the convention, really doesn’t have a restaurant. They do have a Starbuck’s type of shop with a limited menu, and there is a mall across the street with several restaurants. We may supply a quick nosh before you get on the bus on Friday, but remember, this is a COCA Convention and we are never in a short supply of food.

 

In the flyer, you will note that we mention Thursday “Non-Official” Tours. There is no extra fee for the Thursday tours.  This event is self-drive; no lunch will be served, but the day will end with a pizza party at Dan Davids’ collection. You must RSVP to this event so we know how many people to expect at the collections and pizza party.

 

We are only allowing people that register for the convention to attend the Thursday tours due to insurance restrictions.

 

Wednesday Night stay:  You are better off staying south of the city. I suggest the Garden Grove area; a number of people and I will be staying at the Hyatt Hotel located in Garden Grove. The tour will start in that area, move West then North up to Dan Davids’ collection, ending at the Host Hotel so we can get ready for an early morning start on Friday. Thursday night, make sure you stay at the host hotel.

 

A very limited block of 10 discounted rooms is being held at the Hyatt in Garden Grove. If we sell out, please let me know immediately and I will try to get more rooms. This is close to Disneyland, it will be summer, rooms will sell out fast, so book early. The block rate is for Wednesday July 15th, but the Hyatt will honor this rate starting on Sunday, July 12th, as long as they have rooms available.

 

Hyatt Regency Orange County-

11999 Harbor Blvd

Garden Grove, CA 92840, US

For the Coin Operated Collectors Association  rate

$179 per night, free Internet and parking is 50% off

 

Web site registration for Hyatt WEDNESDAY NIGHT ONLY! CLICK HERE

 

Tel: 1-800-233-1234

 

Airports: Which airport should I fly into?

 

If you are only going to the convention, fly into and out of LAX or Burbank

(Bob Hope Airport). The traffic is easier at the Burbank Airport, but see where you will get a better deal on your flight and car rental. It will be less expensive to rent a small car than to rent a cab to get to the host hotel.

If you are joining us on Thursday, fly into LAX or John Wayne (Orange County).  Again, the traffic will be easier flying into Orange County.

Thursday Tours:

At this time, Thursday tours consist of Larry Griffin, Scott Fawcett, Bill Thomas, Randy Pic, and Crystal and Thomas Lucier. The tours are subject to change, and more stops may be added.

 

 

 

 

Victorian Casino Antiques to auction off Bill Harrah antique slot collection

VIEW THE AUCTION RESULTS HERE More than 75 rare gambling machines from Harrah’s collection will be part of massive, three-day auction held in Las Vegas Sept. 19-21

LAS VEGAS - One of the most lauded and sought-after collections of vintage gambling equipment has been acquired by Las Vegas-based auction house Victorian Casino Antiques (VCA), a Morphy Auctions company. The William F. Harrah Antique Gambling Machine collection will be the centerpiece of a live auction event held inside VCA’s Vegas showroom (4520 Arville St. #1) on Sept. 19-21, which will also feature about 1,600 other rare coin-operated machines, band organs, gas and oil collectibles, toy automobiles and advertising art.

{image_1}The Harrah collection boasts more than 75 upright slot machines, trade stimulators, three-reelers and floor consoles hailing from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, as well as several ephemeral displays from various Harrah’s (now Caesars) Entertainment properties. The collection includes items that previously resided inside corporate offices at those casinos, including Mr. Harrah’s prior to his passing, as well as in the Pony Express Museum that he owned in Reno, Nev.

This amazing assemblage of working gambling machines includes an early-model, 25-cent Caille roulette floor console, circa 1904, in a beautiful mahogany case; a fully operational, five-cent Mills/Hoke “Trap the Snake” three-reel bell slot machine from 1939 in original condition; and an ornately detailed, five-cent Mills duplex from the turn of the 20th century, in beautifully restored condition.{image_4}{image_3}{image_2}

One of the rarest items in the Harrah collection—and in the world of vintage gaming devices overall—is the 25-cent “Midget Derby” floor model horse racing machine, in excellent condition. Only one of these machines is known to exist, and it’s so unique, even its manufacturer is unknown.

Other highlights among the lots being auction in September include a five-cent Mills “Violano Virtuoso” upright violin-and-piano music player circa 1912; a beautiful, black-and-chrome, five-cent Paces Races light-up horse racing slot machine; a 5-foot-tall, painted, carved Native American princess cigar store figure; an Emil J. Paidar Co. three-station barber shop wood back bar, featuring Art Deco styling with rounded mirrors and chrome detailing; and an early-20th century five-cent Mutoscope viewer featuring scenes from Universal Pictures’ “Beware of Windows,” starring Laura LaPlante.

The entire auction catalog can be viewed online at the VCA WEBSITE, where interested bidders can also find links to register for phone or internet bidding. On-site previews prior to the auction dates will begin Aug.1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, or on an appointment basis by calling 702-382-2466.

COCA Member, Dave Burritt in association with The Coin Op Preservation Society, has created a You Tube video of the 3 wheel slots

VIEW THE VIDEO HERE     .You Can View The Digital Catalog HERE      View and Bid the online catalog HERE

 

Tom Gustwiller inducted into COCA Hall of Fame

At the November COCA meeting in Chicago, Tom Gustwiller was the honored recipient of the 2013 COCA Hall of Fame Award.  The etched crystal award was presented by COCA Hall of Fame committee chairman Erick Johnson.

This award is presented to those that have made “significant contributions” to the betterment of our club and/or the hobby of collecting coin operated machines.

{image_1}Tom was recognized both for his support of the club and his numerous contributions as a historian and author.

Tom bought his first slot machine in 1970. By the mid 70's he started to buy and sell machines and started collecting. He focused on trade stimulators when everyone else was collecting 3-reelers.

During those early years of our hobby Tom talked to COCA Hall of Famer Dick Bueschel about machines weekly. He borrowed Dick’s vast stockpile of literature through the years for research. He used this knowledge to write articles for “Coin Slot Magazine” and also for “Coin-Op Classics Magazine”.

When Dick passed away he assumed the duty of writing his monthly “Antique Week Newspaper” column on coin-op. In 1985 he published his first coin-op reference book “For Amusement Only”.

In 2011 he published his second coin-op book “Reel Amusement.”  This hard cover book features full color photography of trade stimulators, slots, vending and arcade machines.

Tom was a part of the original group that supported Frank DeMayo in his successful quest to form the COCA club.  Tom opened his western Ohio home for tours during the first national COCA convention.  Tom has been a feature speaker at COCA meetings.  He has also hosted a local Ohio COCA gathering and written numerous articles for COCA Times Magazine.

At one time or another he has owned most every trade stimulator known and still maintains a collection of over 350 machines.  Tom is always ready to share his coin-op knowledge with fellow collectors of all ages.

 

Erick Johnson presents Tom Gustwiller the H.O.F. Award.                     Tom and some of his machines

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C.O.C.A. Holds Tenth Annual National Convention in Boston, Mass.

    August is always a great time to visit New England, and this year was no exception as more than 95 members gathered in Boston, Massachusetts for COCA’s tenth annual convention. What was started when a small group of COCA members organized the first convention in Cleveland, Ohio in 2004, is now a highly anticipated annual event for many of our members. While there were many familiar faces from past conventions in attendance, 20 members were attending the convention for their first time.  

    When the registration time scheduled for Thursday evening came, the lobby of the Crowne Plaza quickly filled with members eager to pick up their credentials and proceed to the rooms of several members who brought items for room to room selling. A silent auction of a large collection of trade publications, flyers, magazines, and out of print books donated to COCA by Mel and Anne G. was also held with proceeds benefiting the club.

    Unlike in previous years, this year’s convention was expanded to include a full day of events on Friday. Busses were boarded Friday morning for a scenic ride to Hartford, Connecticut, ending at our first stop, lunch at Black Eyed Sally’s, a local favorite BBQ restaurant in the downtown area. Following lunch and a short ride to the home of Arnold and Sandra C., we were ready to tour our first collection.

    The tour began with the entire group seated in the 103-seat theater for a short presentation by Arnold explaining how he began collecting coin operated and mechanical music machines. Our group was encouraged to enjoy all of the machines in this incredible collection, not just by viewing, but also playing these marvelous machines.{image_4}{image_2}{image_6}

    Music was non-stop in the two-story music room as Jack B. assisted with demonstrating the wonderful collection of band organs, orchestrions, and mechanical music machines. A favorite of many in the group was the animated Decap Robot Organ which was played multiple times. The arcade collection featured machines from the cast iron era, including Mutoscopes and strength testers, a room of English arcade machines featuring several Working Models, and an extensive collection of mechanical and electro-mechanical arcade games dating from the 1920’s to the end of the electro-mechanical era.

    All of the machines were lit and operational for our conventioneers to enjoy, and enjoy they did as the sounds of pinballs and arcade games emanating from the huge arcade room were reminiscent of the bustling arcades of a bygone era. One machine that drew a lot of interest was the Mold-A-Rama, a 1960’s coin operated machine that molds a souvenir plastic toy in seconds as you watch. Several members were seen carrying freshly molded rockets as they toured the collection. 

    A short ride to Bolton, Connecticut brought us to our dinner stop, Georgina’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall, for a nice buffet dinner before the ride back to Natick. Friday was quite a first day, but it was just the beginning of a great convention.

    Saturday morning began with a tour of the collection of Mike and Carol G., a diverse collection wonderfully displayed throughout their home, featuring early floor model penny arcade machines, early gambling machines, vending, and service machines. The emphasis on figural cast iron was evident with excellent examples of early strength machines, such as a Howard Uncle Sam, a Mickey Finn, and a Tiger’s Tail Puller, as well as many other great figural items.{image_1}

    Along with the great arcade collection, there was also a wonderful collection of advertising filling every available space within their home. With salesman’s samples, early tin litho and reverse painted glass signs featuring tobacco, beer, and whiskey, trade signs, and folk art pieces, as well as Boston related items, it was a fascinating collection that Mike and Carol have put together.

    After viewing Mike and Carol’s collection, it was time for lunch at Blue Ginger, Celebrity Chef Ming Tsai’s award winning restaurant in nearby Wellesley, Massachusetts. Following the delicious buffet lunch, it was on to the home of Ken and Sandy G. to view their wonderful collection of orchestrions, music boxes, automata, slot machines, and items related to the time of the orchestrions.   

    With the collection displayed in multiple rooms within their home, Ken, Sandy, and their son Alex, all participated in demonstrating the music machines, explaining their workings and histories, and answering questions. The large music room was the focal point for the collection with rare mechanical music machines lining the room, a loft dedicated to the gambling and arcade machines, as well as a group of carrousel animals, and a fine collection of rare advertising signs and posters displayed on the walls.

   {image_3} Ken’s interesting stories of how he acquired many of the music machines provided insight into how he built this marvelous collection, and the chance to hear these rare machines play their beautiful music was priceless. A real treat was getting to watch the intricate movements of several automata in his world class collection as Ken narrated the stories of these rare mechanical marvels.   

    Then it was back to the hotel for a little rest and a quick change to get ready for the Saturday evening event, a Boston Harbor dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston. The weather was perfect as we boarded for what was a really fun evening. With the buffet dinner served as soon as the boat left port, there was plenty of time following dinner to party on the dance floor, mingle with fellow conventioneers, or just relax enjoying the beautiful lights of the Boston skyline.  

   {image_5}Sunday brought the close of the convention, but not before a visit to the home of Julius and Patty S. to view their fun collection of everything coin-op and more. With slot machines, trade stimulators, vending machines, arcade pieces, pinballs, and jukeboxes, there was plenty of coin-op to view.

    Their game room, with nice examples of a Basketball Champ, Evans Bowler, Williams Ten Pins, a full size Skeeball machine, diggers and some modern pinball machines was definitely laid out with some fun evenings in mind. The collection also includes a full-size soda fountain and a great collection of soda fountain collectibles. Julius also set out some items for sale in the garage, and several members left with new treasures in hand.  

    Now that the 10th annual COCA Convention is behind us, planning is underway for next year’s convention in the Boca Raton/Fort Lauderdale area of Florida. Dates have not been set, and there are still a lot of details to be worked out, so watch for future announcements as plans are finalized. Hope to see you there!

Submitted By Doug Cain       VIEW THE BOSTON CONVENTION PHOTO GALLERY HERE

 

John Papa presents new video on Original, Fake, and Reproduction Coin-op Machines

Both old and new coin-op collectors have often encountered a machine and wondered whether it is the genuine article.  Is it old or did someone just make it look that way?  What clues should we look for in our examinations?  

{image_1}The 2013 spring Chicagoland COCA meeting featured a presentation by John Papa on “Originals, Reproductions and Fakes.  How can we tell and why we care.”  John Papa is the owner of National Jukebox Exchange of Mayfield, New York and is an expert in vintage jukeboxes and penny arcade games.

“We have all been puzzled at times trying to determine if something is original or reproduction.  I hope to provide the tips needed to sort it out” Papa noted. “There is a whole spectrum of conditions that need to be considered.”

John has recreated his informative presentation on a YouTube video.  In it he graciously shares many tips based on his many years of collecting knowledge.  He is a COCA member and has been a strong supporter of COCA. since its inception.

VIEW JOHN'S VIDEO HERE

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Ken Rubin Inducted into COCA Hall of Fame

At the April Chicagoland COCA meeting Ken Rubin was inducted into the COCA Coin-Op Hall of Fame.  Ken was selected for the Hall of Fame in 2012, but could not get to Chicago for his scheduled November induction due to severe weather in New York.

{image_1}Ken‘s fascination with coin operated machines began as a child.  He took great pleasure in playing penny arcade machines in Coney Island and nickel pinball machines in the Catskill Mountains.

Ken is considered to be the utmost  authority on Cigar Vending Machines and an expert on all types of coin-op.

Ken has made numerous contributions to COCA.  He was among the first to join with Frank DeMayo in forming the group that would become COCA.  He co-chaired the 2008 COCA national convention in New York.  He also was instrumental in organizing and hosting the 2011 convention in Houston.  He has served as a featured speaker at our COCA meetings in Chicago

In 1965, Ken was given an old pinball machine that he restored and earned nickels from by operating it in his college fraternity house. He still owns it! 

By 1970 he had acquired the collecting bug for these great “toys”. His enthusiasm continued for all types of antique coin machines and in 1979 he published the first book on the subject, “Drop Coin Here: The Book Of Antique Coin-Operated Gambling, Vending And Penny Arcade Machines.”

He is currently working on his new, soon to be published book, “Silent Cigar Salesmen, The History of Cigar Vending Machines.”

Go to COCA Hall of Fame to view more abbout Ken and the other members of the Hall of Fame.

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COCA Members See Seventeen Collections in Four Days

The adventure began at the 2012 C.O.C.A convention in Minneapolis when two COCA members; “The Oklahoma Flash”, Don Mangels and Les Aaron the “California King of Trade Stimulators”, discussed getting together to tour a few collections in Southern California.

It was only small talk but within a short period of time the trip quickly grew into eight COCA members visiting seventeen COCA collectors in the Los Angeles area. They came from eight different states to the East, and included Chad Boekelheide, Tom Gustwiller, Charles Kemp, Don Mangels, David McDonald, Ron Pulver, Larry Vedas, and Johnny Duckworth.{image_1}{image_2}{image_6}

 
On a cold Sunday morning in January they were in a Hertz van and on their way to visit the first collection.  Les had arranged the busy schedule that enabled them to view the most collections.  They drove more than 600 miles throughout Southern California and saw well over 5,000 machines. WOW!

{image_3}They saw every kind of coin operated machine you can imagine on this trip; so no matter what type of coin-op one liked, it was sure to be encountered. The members visited included Les Aaron, Eugene Brown, Phil Cunningham, Dan Davids, Scott Fawcett, Barry Goldfarb, Larry Griffin, John Hermann, Roger Kislingbury, Sandy Lechtick, Mike Lustig, Greg McLemore, Fred Roth, George Stupar, Bill Thomas, Ira Warren, & John Zuk.{image_4}

We all collect and enjoy certain coin operated machines and it’s always fun to visit other collectors and see how they enjoy and display their collections. If you’ve never been to the yearly COCA convention you are missing out on the great opportunity to view some great collections and to meet and get to know folks that share our common passion for coin-op.
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The 2012 Minneapolis COCA convention led to twenty five members sharing that great opportunity and making friendships that will last a lifetime.{image_7}

Click on the link below to see some great coin-op pictures that Don took on the journey.

VIEW DON MANGELS PHOTOS OF L.A. COLLECTIONS HERE

Story Submitted by Johnny Duckworth
 

 

COCA Members Meet In Bloomington MN For The 9th Annual National Convention

A more extensive report on this year’s convention is available on the “MEMBER NEWS” page.

 

The weather was perfect on the third weekend in August when about 100 coin-op enthusiasts met for the ninth consecutive summer.

Many came in early on Thursday, and were treated to an early bird “Famous Dave's” BBQ hosted by Minnesota COCA member Ryan G. and Deb along with Ryan’s parents, Larry and Mary G.  The evening event was held at Ryan’s lakeside home.

Friday morning began with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the host Hilton Hotel. The rest of the group arrived during the day and were welcomed at the registration desk by Marsha and David Blau.  Marsha continues to do a superlative job as convention planning and operations chairwoman.

That afternoon everyone went to an open house at the home of Larry and Mary G.

Upon returning to the Hilton, members roamed the halls looking to find new goodies during room to room trading.

{image_1}That evening, a banquet dinner with cash bar was held in the ballroom.  It was followed by an auction of 85 lots that members consigned.  COCA member Jeff Scott called the bids while John Fifer and Mark Heston served as ring men.

 

There were three collections viewed on Saturday.  They included one member’s world-class collection consisting of vending machines, numerous slot machines, trade stimulators, gambling memorabilia, toys, pin-up art, exceptional advertising and penny scales.

Our next stop was an entire home and garage, filled with a fun assortment of coin-op, including arcade machines, countertop games and pinball machines. It was like taking a trip back in time to the penny arcade that most of us remember from our youth.

Our last stop had almost every known basketball themed coin-op device ever made.  This collection also included many other sports-themed games, including examples of baseball, hockey, bowling and football.  These machines got a thorough work out.

Everyone met at lunch time for an Italian feast at Buca Di Beppo.  This eatery is famous for their delicious large family style portions.

After a short late afternoon break at the Hilton everyone boarded the complimentary buses that took us into St. Paul for a dinner cruise on a Riverboat down the Mississippi.  We glided down the river as the sun set and then returned to see the downtown lights of St. Paul’s bustling harbor.

As we dined on beef tenderloin and cruised along, we were entertained by the sounds of The Mississippi Minstrels Dixieland Band.  Joining them was Kathryn Falk, Ken Rubin’s lovely wife.  She volunteered to be guest soloist, serenading all aboard.

 

On Sunday, the group toured three more collections.

Kilroy’s is a retail game room store that also includes a collection of all types of coin-operated items, as well as gambling collectibles, advertising, automobilia and diner memorabilia.

Skyrock Farm offers horse riding and training lessons.  Members were able to tour the horse barn and see over 40 horses and watch a horse jumping demonstration.  Many chose to take a ride on a vintage amusement park train that traveled around the property.

Everyone listened to the happiest music on earth provided by the many antique automatic band and dance organs as they strolled through the carousel building and turn of the century ballroom.

The final stop was a return to the home of Ryan G, who also hosted the Thursday BBQ.  All in attendance are grateful to everyone that opened their homes for touring and especially to Larry, Mary and Ryan, who chaired the convention and to Marsha Blau for planning, coordinating and directing a very successful convention.

 

     View the Convention Photos of 2012 Minn Convention Here

    Select “VIEW AS SLIDESHOW” for ease in viewing

    Photos Courtesy of Don Mangels…...Thanks Don !!!

To view Don's photo's of past conventions please go to PHOTO GALLERY

• We are in need of digital pictres of the 2004 Ohio Convention and the 2005 California Convention.  If you have any please CONTACT US  

 

• Marsha is currently busy planning the next Annual COCA Convention to be held in Historic Boston Mass. at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Boston-Natick, in Boston, Massachusetts on August 23-25, 2013.

The convention committee is dedicated to making it another great coin-op event. For members planning to attend, we have reserved a block of rooms at our host hotel at the COCA rate of $125 plus applicable taxes.

Reservations can be made now by calling the hotel at 888-233-9527 or online by using this link: 

• Reserve a Room for the 2013 Convention

 

If you are thinking of attending, rooms in the Boston area fill up quickly, so please make reservations early so that we can add more rooms if needed.

• VIEW THE 2013 BOSTON CONVENTION FLIER HERE

 

COCA swells to more than 700 members.  85 join during first half of 2012

COCA membership has grown to more than 700 members during the first half of 2012.  We welcomed 85 names to our roster from January 1st through July 31st.

COCA President, Doug Cain, said that one of his goals would be to step up the marketing of our club.  That work has paid off.{image_1}  Ads were placed in well-known periodicals like “Antique Week” directing traffic to our new website.

Members have also been placing fliers that advertise the benefits of COCA membership at auctions and shows.  Prominent coin-op auction galleries like VCA, Morphy, and Showtime continue to promote our club in their catalogs.

The new COCA website, under the direction of Bill Petrochuk, has provided a continuously updated source of coin-op related news, information and web links for coin-op enthusiasts.  The steady stream of classified ads has also greatly enhanced our website traffic.

COCA Times Magazine just keeps getting better and better thanks to the hard work of Paul Hindin along with Randy and Sue Razzoog.  Please continue to send in your articles to them.

 

We are proud to publish the names of all 85 members and welcome them to the club.  We are glad that you have chosen to join our group and hope it will lead to a greater coin-op collecting experience for you.

Many of you will recognize two of the names on the list.  Rosanna Harris spent many years as an Editor and writer for several coin-op publications.  She is now the editor of “Mechanical Music”, the official publication of the Music Box Society International. 

Larry Lubliner was also an early contributor in the editorial field for our hobby.  He remains very active in the field of early gambling memorabilia and antique playing cards.

Here is the list. 

If you see a name that you know, please take a moment to welcome them to our club.  They will be glad that you did.

William Apostolos ,  Danny Applegate, Bill Auerbach ,  Jerry Bainter, Charles Banta, Kay Barret, Jacob Berrick, Brian Bronzino, 

Rick Cantor, Frank Chadwick, John Chamberlain , Brad Charles, Bryce Dawson, Chris Fabiano, James Faulkerson, Peter Gault,

George Gibson, Sheila Gibson, Steven Gleasman, Drew Haagenson, Robert Hall, Paula Hansen, Rosanna Harris, Kerry Hatcher,

 

Ron Hofer, Lynn Hooker, David Jackson,  Michael Jackson, Barry James, Bob Johnson, Timothy Joyce, David Kelly, Carl Kenney,

Robert Kindness, Kenneth Lamoureux, Lew Latshaw, John C Lee, Kyle Lee, Jeff Lengel, Larry Lubliner, Michael Lund, Mark Madson,

Paul Marinelli, George Marinos, Mel Mattison, Kevin McCarter, Joseph Miskell,

 

Bruce Mitchell, Samuel Nance, Warren Nash, Maurice Nicholson, Ed O'Neill, Rex Orcutt, Anthony Parenteau, Richard Patterson,

Vince Piano, Albert Quick, Mahlon Reep, Konstantinos Rentoulis, Dominic Rios, Charles Rogers, Timothy Romano, Rene Rondeau,

Charles Rosenberg, Bradley Sagendorf, Eugene Schiavone, Pete Shank, Tom Simek, David Simon, Ed Smith, John Snyder,

 

Bob Sossa, Bob St. Jean, W. M. Stalcup, Wayne Threadgill, Michael Traficanti, Vernon Gantt, Jr, David Voralik, Emily Wallens,

David Webster, Richard Weiss, Tod Weiss, Kathy Whitman, Brad Witherell, Jon Wyly.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB !             
 

 

COCA Now Seeking Nominations for COCA Coin-Op Hall of Fame for 2019

Every year at the November Chicagoland meeting, COCA enshrines one or more persons that have made significant contributions to the betterment of our club and/or the hobby of collecting coin operated machines.

Past recipients include Frank DeMayo, Paul Hindin, Dan Davids, Richard M. Bueschel, Marshall Fey, Jasper Sanfilippo, Bill Enes, Ken Rubin, Tom Gustwiller, Bill Petrochuk, Marsha Blau, Doug Cain, Jacdk Freund, Mike Gorski and Bill Howard

We are looking for nominations from you for this year’s award. 

If you would like to nominate one or more individuals for this prestigious award, please use the COCA Contact Form on this website or contact any COCA officer directly.  The cut off date for nominations is September 1, 2019.

Please include a few words that demonstrate the reasons for nomination.

Nominees who's names were submitted in previous years but not selected will remain on the list for consideration.

The award may be presented on a posthumous basis.

Morphy Auctions features antique advertising, coin-ops and mechanical music Aug 10-11

Morphy Auctions rolls out antique advertising, coin ops and the Peter V. Fritsch mechanical music collection, Aug. 10-11.

  DENVER, Pa. – The festive sounds of turn-of-the-century music boxes and coin-op machines will ring through Morphy Auctions’ gallery Aug. 10 and 11 as the company presents a varied and colorful 1,100-lot sale of antique advertising and mechanical amusements.

The Friday session features the 50-year music box collection of Peter V. Fritsch of Kutztown, Pa. The assemblage of 30+ music machines consists mainly of American productions, with highlights including a Regina 27-inch automatic changer, $16,000-$18,000; a Regina 15½-inch automatic changer, $14,000-$18,000; and a Symphonium wood-cased hall clock, $10,000-$12,000

Morphy’s CEO Dan Morphy remarked that Peter Frisch has always been “a very particular buyer. Every machine he owns is special and has an extra or unusual feature that would not be considered standard.”

Over 250 general store lots – including showcases and signs – will be offered to the highest bidder. A very rare circa-1880s Perry Davis Pain Killer tin sign is lithographed with busy, colorful images of people performing different tasks to produce a bottle of the pain medicine. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Also within the grouping of signs is a 1914-1915 Buffalo Bill Wild West Show poster estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

More than 50 coin-operated machines will open the Saturday session. An outstanding dual vending machine that dispenses both Chiclets chewing gun and Stollwerck chocolate leads the group. In untouched condition with beautiful porcelain panels, the machine could reach $10,000-$15,000 on auction day

Other noteworthy coin-ops include a 10-cent Rol-A-Top slot machine with an eye-catching cherry design on its façade, $6,000-$7,000; and a functional, circa-1920s Novelty Merchant Co. “digger” machine, $2,000-$4,000.{image_1}

An attractive array of soda pop advertising awaits bidders, including an elusive and very desirable 1955 7-Up double-sided policeman store display sign. Of double-sided lithographed metal, it is similar in design to the more commonly seen Coca-Cola police crossing-guard figure. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.

The Saturday session will conclude with a 100-lot offering of tobacciana. Possibly by Robb or DeMuth, a well-detailed circa-1900 carved figure resembling Hercules – with a club in one hand and a pack of cigars in the other – is entered in the sale with a $10,000-$15,000 estimate.

A circa-1870s plaster sign advertising Hondarez Cuban Cigars will cross the auction block with hopes of achieving $1,000-$1,500.

Both the Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11 auction sessions will commence at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live or LiveAuctioneers.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog online

For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail serena@morphyauctions.com.

Visit Morphy Auctions online at http://www.morphyauctions.com.

 

COCA Announces 6 New CLASSIFIED AD CONTEST Winners !

WOW, 113 ads were placed on the COCA FREE classified ad section of our website from June 1st through August 31st of 2012.  We drew six names at random from all of the ads that were placed by COCA members.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are: James Mortensen,  Muskego, WI., Ed Oneill, Methuen MA., and Ken Haynes, Savannah, Ga.  They will each receive a copy of the hard cover Mel Getlan/VCA Vegas auction catalog.

The 4th and 5th prize winners are Kevin McCarter, Victoria, KS. And John Nowak, Elma, NY.  They each get a COCA travel mug.

 

6th prize goes to Gordy Nichol of Wayne, PA.  He will receive a COCA ball cap.

We awarded 18 prizes to COCA members from among the more than 175 ads that were posted from April through August.  Congratulations to all of the winners.

Special thanks to Peter and Daniel Sidlow of Victorian Casino Antiques/Vegas Auctions and to Fred Bingaman of Crosley Retro Radios for their prize contributions.

Please keep posting your ads.  It is a vital part of our efforts to continue our quest to find new members and promote our hobby.  Plus we all want to find more great stuff!

The classified ad contest will take a break for the rest of 2012.  Be sure to watch for a new contest early in 2013.

 

    Ad PostingTips:

• You may upload 1 picture per ad of the item For Sale or Wanted.

• Crop your picture to a somewhat square shape before uploading to improve appearance.

• Please include your phone number and email address in the appropriate boxes.  This is the only place that you need to enter your contact info.

• If you do not wish to receive either phone calls or emails in reply to your ad you may omit one or the other.

• Be sure to enter “COCA Member” in the appropriate box.

• To remove your ad or edit it please use the “contact us” web page.
   

 

May VCA Auction Featuring The Mel and Anne Getlan Collection Hits The Jackpot in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada hosted the May 4th 5th and 6th 2012 VCA auction that saw 1500 lots cross the block.  Among them were 350 lots that belonged to Mel and Anne Getlan.  Mel grew up in the coin-op business and started collecting in the early 1970's.

Peter Sidlow, President of VCA Auction, predicted that this auction would provide some of the “Best of the Best” machines to come to market in many years.  The results proved his prediction to be true.

Guest auctioneer Tim Luke, with his clear and concise bid calling, did a great job of keeping the auction moving along quickly and fun.

{image_2}There were plenty of live bidders on hand along with numerous phone, internet and absentee bidders to keep the bidding hot.

A few bargains managed to slip through the cracks, but for the most part the great selection of coin-op and other collectables brought even greater prices.

All prices quoted in this article reflect the HAMMER PRICE and do NOT include the 12% buyers premium for floor bidders. (20% buyers premium for internet, phone and absentee bidders)

• Select results of note with web links include:

A Caille twin musical upright slot machine  (lot#595) found a new home for $75,000.

Another feature machine, the Caille Cast Iron Globe trade stimulator (lot#700) achieved $85,000.

Lot #542 Watling 50₵ Roll-A-Top 3 reel slot $5,500

Lot #559 Cupids Post Office Penny Arcade machine, $4,250

Lot #560 Mills 20th Century Musical Upright Slot machine, $32,500

Lot #600 Caille “Little Roulette” slot machine, $30,000

 

Lot #625 Pace “Kitty” 3 reel slot, $8,000

Lot #643 Caille Play Ball cast iron trade stimulator, $10,000

Lot #679 Mills Perfume Vendor, $9,000

Lot #699 White Vending Co. peanut vendor $13,000

 

Lot #833 Sun Bicycle trade stimulator, $17,000

Lot #866 Pope Cigar vendor, 27,500

Lot #920 Continental Bull Head Perfume Vendor, 10,000

Lot #952 Watling Big Six OK trade stimulator with side vendor, 26,000

 

• To view the complete VCA auction results CLICK HERE

(Most of the feature items are in session 2, May 5th)

 

You can still purchase a hard cover copy of the Auction Catalog for $40 post paid from VCA.

The next VCA Vegas auction will be held on Oct 12th, 13th, &14th, 2012

 

May VCA Vegas Auction Features the “Best of the Best”

The upcoming VCA Vegas auction looks to be the best coin-op auction in many years.  This auction features over 350 items from the Melvin and Anne Getlan collection plus an array of additional coin operated devices which will cause this event to be remembered for years to come.  More than 1500 lots will be sold on May 4th 5th & 6th, 2012.

Melvin and Anne have decided to downsize their fabulous collection.  Their machines are not only rare, they are also in the finest condition This will probably be a once in a lifetime opportunity to own some of these machines.

Highlights include a 5 & 25 Cent Caille Bros. Centaur/Eclipse Twin Double Wheel Upright Slot Machine c1907, a 5 Cent Caille Bros. “Little Roulette”, and a 1 Cent Mills Novelty “HY-LO” Poker Hand 5-Reel Card Machine c1904.

{image_1} Many consider the Caille Bros. “Globe” Poker Hand 5-Reel Card Machine c1906 to be the center piece of the sale.

There will be plenty of other cast iron available along with some great upright slot machines.   Old woodies and aluminum machines of great importance will also find new homes.

Along with the gambling machines there will be many vending machines offered. “The Auto Doctor” c1892, five cent Mini Pharmacy is reported to be the only one known.

“This sale promises to have something for everyone” according to VCA President Peter Sidlow.  “Just to see all of these great historic machines will be an experience you won’t forget.”

Hard cover catalogs may be ordered directly from the VCA Website.  These catalogs will most likely increase in value in future years, just as the ones from the Dr. Smith and Stan Harris auctions have.

You can View The Actual Printed Catalog Online For FREE Here. 

 

MILHOUS COLLECTION ACHIEVES IMPRESSIVE $38.3 MILLION IN SALES

BOCA RATON, Florida (February 26, 2012) – RM Auctions in association with Sotheby’s lifted the gavel on the renowned Milhous Collection during a two-day sale this week in Boca Raton, Florida, generating over $38.3 million in sales with an impressive 100% of all lots sold.

The result of over 50 years of dedicated collecting by brothers Bob & Paul Milhous, the sale presented a range of exceptionally rare mechanical musical instruments, automobiles and collectibles before a packed house. Bidders represented 18 countries from around the world, including as far away as China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Slot machines and trade stimulator prices were exceptional, with four “Rol-A-Top Bird of Paradise” slots selling for $10,000 to $16,000 each.  A Mills “War Eagle” reached $9200 and a Jennings gooseneck found a new home at $4025.  WOW!

• View Slot Machine Results

 

Mechanical music was also strong, with most of the 94 pieces selling above the catalog estimate.  A Mills Commercial Model (Bow-Front) Violano-Virtuoso went for $207,000 and a 1926 Weber Maesto Orchestrion achieved a $920,000. 

• View the Mechanical Music Results Here

 

This was a first class auction, complete with valet parking and air conditioned porta-potties.  RM is best known for their automobile auctions and several of the cars went for over One Million Dollars.  The aucton was held in the Milhous Museum. The 46-Foot Custom Carousel With 42 Animals, 2 Chariots and Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ rode out of town to the tune of $1,207,500  

{image_1}   View the complete results for all lots here

• View and listen to the Mechanical Music Videos Here

 

 

COCA Welcomes Three into Hall Of Fame

Richard M. Bueschel, Marshall Fey and Jasper Sanfilippo were inducted into the COCA Hall of Fame at the November Chicago meeting.  The presentations were made by President Erick Johnson and Hall of Fame committee chairman Bill Petrochuk.

{image_4}Richard M. Bueschel (1926-1998) was and probably always will be the most prolific author and historian that our hobby will ever know.   Dick most enjoyed “the fun of the search and the knowledge gained”.  His view was that “If it’s good for the hobby, it ought to be done.”  He penned dozens of books about coin operated machines.

He also edited a multitude of coin-op magazines and periodicals.  Dick inspired us by sharing his collection of coin machine paper including photographs, vintage advertising and trade magazines.  Dick also helped to lead the way towards the legalization of slot machine collecting throughout most of America.

Dick grew up in the heart of the coin operated machine industry, Chicago, during the 1930’s and 40’s.  His primary focus was on gambling machines, but he also wrote about pinball, arcade, penny scales and vending among many other topics.

 He served in the United States Air Force during 1945 and 1946. This led to his interest in Japanese war planes and subsequent books about these aircraft.  His business career was as a creative person in industrial advertising agencies.  Our hobby would not be remotely close to where it is today, not only in historical knowledge, but in the number of collectors, had it not been for the efforts and inspiration of Richard M. Bueschel.

Dick’s award was accepted by his daughter Megan Bueschel.  Her father designed his own headstone and is “Still trying to make lemonade” as we can see on the photo.

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Marshall Fey is best known as the author of the number one selling slot machine book in the world.  With over 35,000 copies sold it is now in its seventh printing.  It has been printed in three languages.

{image_3}Marshall’s story is about the experiences of three generations of the Fey coin machine family.   His grandfather, Charles is known as the inventor of the three reel slot machine and scores of other coin operated devices.  His Father Edmund Fey invented, manufactured and operated machines on his own.  Marshall along with his brother Frank operated and revamped numerous slot machines in their Reno Liberty Belle Restaurant for more than 30 years

Marsh was the winner of the American Association for State and Local History’s “National History Award” in 1984.  Marsh has spoken at our C.O.C.A. meetings on multiple occasions. His book has helped to spread the word about these fascinating machines and inspired both new and old collectors since 1983. He has educated antique collectors everywhere that these highly regarded slot machines are not only a good investment, but fun to play.  He continues to be a great ambassador for the coin operated machine collecting hobby.

 

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{image_2}Jasper Sanfilippo is known worldwide for his magnificent collection of beautifully restored antique music machines, coin operated arcade and gambling machines, and many more great antiques that are housed in his ‘Victorian Palace’ home near Chicago.

Private concerts, dinners, tours, conventions of collector’s groups and other festivities have been held at Jasper’s since the first music room was completed in 1984.  Jasper is also the director of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. a large company dedicated to processing, marketing and distributing edible nuts of all kinds.

Jasper’s association with C.O.C.A. is a long one.  For many years our club has been invited to numerous tours of his home and collection.  Our members have enjoyed his hospitality more than he will ever know.  C.O.C.A. tours and other charitable functions held at the ‘Victorian Palace’ have raised millions of dollars for charity and have exposed thousands of people to these antique musical, coin operated and other mechanical wonders.  This experience has helped to inspire many people to join our club and acquire their own unique collections. 

C.O.C.A. will always be indebted to the generosity of Jasper Sanfilippo.

 

What’s New ???

This is the place to find quick links to the latest news, additions and information on the COCA website.  Find out “What's Happening Now” in the COCA world of coin-op.  Just click on the “Read More” tab below….........................................................

 

• Some of the content links on this page are only available to COCA Members.  If you are a COCA member,  Please LOG IN NOW to view:  CLASSIFIED ADS CONTACT INFORMATION,  MY ACCOUNT,  MEMBERS LIST,  MEMBER NEWS,  HALL OF FAME,  and THE PHOTO GALLERY.

 

 

• The complete set of COCA Newsletters in now available online.  Read them HERE on the COCA Resources page

 

• Read the latest COCA President's message from New President, John Fifer HERE

 

• Check out this North Carolina local news video about Scott Tidball & A-1 Gumball Machine collection

 

• CLICK HERE to view some great articles by Johnny Duckworth that have appeared in previous issues of COCA Times Magazine.

 

• Southeastern Antiquing Magazine August Issue features cover article exploring coin operated machines.
• VIEW THE ARTICLE HERE

 

• Are you looking for pictures and prices for Trade Stimulators???  

Check out COCA Member Ron Keith's Price and Photo Guides to Trade Stimulators  Updated12/1/2020.  This is the place to view HUNDREDS of pictures and recent auction sale prices of TRADE STIMULATORS !

 

• Check out this great video by John Papa on original, reproduction and fake machines

 

• View the latest Coin-Op Auction Catalogs Here

 

• Do you need help shipping coin-op?

 

• Check out this one hour plus YouTube video of COCA member Mike Gorski's fabulous collection.  Mike is often referred to as as the “Godfather of Coin-op.”  You will see and hear many rare machines in action.  VIEW THE VIDEO HERE

 

• Click on this link to download a FREE Owners Manual for your Mills VEST POCKET SLOT MACHINE !

     Please allow a little time for the 16 pages to load.  This is a PDF copy of the original Mills Bell-O-Matic Manual of 1949.

 

• COCA Members are giving other COCA Members Discounts

Welcome to the New C.O.C.A. Website & new Member Login Info!

Please read this article to see the new Members-only login procedures!  We hope that you will find it user friendly and full of the things coin-op enthusiasts are looking for.  You can easily navigate the site by clicking on the appropriate tab among the jukebox title strips located along the left side of the page.  The title strips travel with you wherever you go on the site, so that you can always find your way to the information you seek.  There are three feature articles on the home page.  If you see something that you like just select “read more” to enjoy the rest of the story. To view more articles select the Articles tab.  If you wish to join or renew your membership select the Join Now button under the title strips or select “Join COCA” in the title strip tabs section.  At the bottom of the home page there is a mini forum.  This is the place to post your comments and questions about the site, the club, and all things coin operated.  Please enter your user name if you are a COCA member.  There are also four links to COCA Times Magazine advertisers.  Please patronize our advertisers.

 

• NOTE: Existing COCA Members.. scroll down to the bottom to see the new COCA Website Members-Only login procedures!

 

{image_1}There are two sections in the site.  The first section is open to the public. It contains the home page and links to these features:

• ABOUT THE CLUB - Here you will find the club mission, by-laws and officer profiles.
• JOIN COCA - Join or renew your membership, learn about the benefits of being a COCA member, or update your address.
• CALENDAR - What’s happening, where and when in the world of coin-op.
• NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS - This is the place to find out what’s new.  If you are a member and logged in you will find additional news  in the MEMBERS NEWS section.
• ARTICLES - Read all of the current and recent articles here.
• CLASSIFIED ADS - Buy and sell coin-op and related game room merchandise and services here.  Anyone may place a FREE ad and members may place up to 3 ads.  Each ad may have a photo. Only COCA members are able to view the contact information.
• HISTORY - How COCA started and a brief history of coin operated machines.
• COCA TIMES MAGAZINE - View a complete issue of the full color official magazine of COCA.  Members receive three issues per year via first class mail.
• PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - Our club President reports on what COCA is doing now.
• CONTACT US - Have your questions and comments answered by our web team here. Let us know if you have an upcoming auction, show or event that our members would enjoy.

 

The second section of the website is for MEMBERS ONLY. As a benefit of membership you will enjoy these features:

• MEMBERS LIST - Find other COCA members here.  Each member also has their own page where you can view their photo and bio.  This is the place to learn about your fellow COCA members.
• MEMBER NEWS - Find announcements and updates for club events.  Information about conventions, local gatherings, meetings and special club outings will be posted here.
• HALL OF FAME - See who has received COCA’s highest honor and been inducted into the COCA Hall of Fame.
• RESOURCES - Check out the FREE Price Guide to Trade Stimulators including photos, updated by COCA member Ron Keith.  Also find links to books, sources of supply & repair, parts, and many other useful web links.
• PHOTO GALLERY - Lots of links to pictures and videos of coin operated machines and club events.
• MY ACCOUNT - Update your profile, picture and bio here.

 

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Members, Here’s How to Log In to the New COCA Web Site!

To log in to the new COCA web site, you will need to reset your web site password. Choose only one of the 2 procedures below:

Option 1: If you provided COCA with your email address when you signed up, do the following:

 

1. Go to http://www.coinopclub.org/members/member-update
2. In the field, enter your email address and press Submit
3. You will receive an email at that address.
4. Within the email, click on the link. You will go back to the COCA web site where you choose to reset your password.
5. A final email is sent to you containing your new password!
6. You can now log in to the COCA web site members area!  

       Note: Once you log in, you can click on “My Account” in the navigation bar to change your password to anything you like.

Option 2: If you did not provide COCA with your email address when you signed up, do the following:

1. Go to http://www.coinopclub.org/members/email-update
2. Enter your Username (which is your first name and last name combined with no space, like this: JohnSmith)
3. In the Password box, enter the temporary password of: 12345678. Then press “Login”.
4. Now you are logged in! Click on “Update Account” in upper right corner. Note: You MUST choose a new password (since the temporary password is only valid for 30 days).

 

If you have problems logging in, send an email to a help@coinopclub.org and include your full name and phone number. Within 1 to 2 days, you will receive a return email with your log in information.
 

 

VCA Auction in Las Vegas Brings Strong Prices

Victorian Casino Antiques held its Fall auction on October 14-16.  An enthusiastic crowd was on hand for all 3 days, including a non-catalogued session held on Friday morning, where 250 lots were sold.
According to Peter Sidlow, President of Victorian Casino Antiques, prices were very strong, especially on the mid-range ($1,000 - $5,000) coin operated items.  As usual, good advertising and fine condition brings the highest prices, while the more common “filler items” bring current market values.

{image_1}There were a number of highlights to note:
Prices shown include buyers premium.
Lot 333 – 5 cent Mills Duplex upright slot machine $126,500
Lot 350 – Cast iron Mills Little Knocker Trade Stimulator $66,000.
Lot 384 – Mini Swiss made music box $7,200.
Lot 417 – 5 cent Caille banker poker trade stimulator $7,200.
Lot 463 – 5 cent countertop “Bicycle Wheel trade stimulator $6,600.
Lot 530 – Koken tiger oak barber chair $9,000
Lot 610 – 25 cent Mills Dice machine on original stand $21,600
Three reel slot machines ranged from $1,200 to $6,000, while vending and trade stimulators were stronger than expected.
Due to an influx of high quality consignments, Victorian Casino Antiques will hold an additional auction on January 14-15, 2012, as well as their regularly scheduled auctions on March 9-11, 2012, and October 12-14, 2012.
There are still a few spots available for quality consignments for the 2012 auctions.
For further information, please visit Victorian Casino antiques website www.vcaauction.com
Victorian Casino Antiques can be reached by email at VCA@LVCoxmail.com, or by phone 702-382-2466, or by fax 702-382-6513
Victorian Casino Antiques
4520 Arville St. #1  -  Las Vegas, Nv. 89103

 

COCA members meet in Houston for 2011 Convention

They say everything is bigger in Texas and COCA members attending the 4 day convention in Houston this past September found that to be true as they toured huge collections, enjoyed lots of “10 gallon” Houston hospitality and consumed some of the biggest and best Texas barbeque meals one could ever ask for.  Our hats are off to COCA 2011 Convention Chairman Craig Bierman and his wonderful wife Doreen and to V.P. Marsha Blau for organizing another memorable event for over 80 of our members. 

The Houston convention experience started on Thursday afternoon with an old fashioned Texas barbeque at the country home of Ken and Katherine Rubin.  Members were serenaded my a 5 piece Mariachi band and a strolling, singing acoustic guitar player.  There wasn’t any coin op to enjoy down on the farm, but Katherine’s eclectic collection of animals including turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep and a beautiful young deer kept everyone amazed and amused until darkness fell.

{image_1}Friday morning arrived quickly and, after a wonderful free breakfast provided by the Hilton Houston Westchase, we embarked on our coin op adventure with a visit to the beautiful home of Bill and Peggy Bain.  The Bain collection was one of the largest and best organized combination of coin op, country store, drug store, advertising and automobile collectibles that most of us had ever seen.  One had to look closely and carefully to take in the huge array of items and the Bains made the experience even better by providing wonderful refreshments, including ice cold Dr. Pepper bottled by the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling company in the world - and the last one to still use pure cane sugar in their recipe.

Following our return to the Hilton Friday afternoon, COCA officials began organizing the auction for the Friday evening dinner, which kicked off at 6:30 p.m.  After a plentiful buffet and dessert spread, everyone took out their wallets and got down to business.  The auction proved to be fun for all, with a large number of items available and spirited bidding energized by auctioneer Jeff Scott and his very helpful wife, Shelia.

{image_2}Saturday morning, we awoke to what looked like rain clouds – a welcome site to all, considering the drought conditions that have affected a large part of Texas for the past several months.  Our first stop was to a nondescript industrial warehouse on the northwest outskirts of Houston.  As we drove up, we weren’t sure what to expect when we got inside.  But once the door opened, we found ourselves in a virtual wonderland of neon, flashing lights and porcelain as we stared at the largest collection of antique and vintage automobile dealership signs and other advertising that any of us had ever experienced.  The signs belonged to our host, Ralph White, owner of Ralph White Merchandising, Inc.  Ralph’s dedication to his collection was clearly demonstrated as we looked at one of the tallest neon signs we have ever seen indoors – so tall that Ralph had to build an extension onto the warehouse roof to make room for it.

Lunch on Saturday was another round of fabulous Texas barbeque at Goode Company restaurant.  While we were enjoying our meal, the rain finally arrived.  You could hear the local residents cheer as the clouds opened and it began to rain in sheets.  We were very happy to see the wonderful residents of Texas get the rain they have waited so long for.

Rain doesn’t affect our interest in coin op, so after lunch we immediately left for the home of Craig and Doreen Bierman to view their collection.  It is difficult to describe their home and collection in a short article like this.  Suffice it to say, it was a mixture of coin op, advertising, cars, a Korean war helicopter, games, real Super Bowl rings and wax figures – all coordinated quite well by the very talented Biermans.

After a short stay at the Bierman residence, we left for a visit to the incredible Victorian mansion and music collection of Alan Bies and Steve Boehck.  I have been in quite a few antique houses in my time, but this mansion literally felt like walking into a time machine from 1890.  The décor was right on point and the overall condition was immaculate.  It didn’t hurt that the first thing we saw coming in the front door was a beautiful original Madam Zita fortune telling machine from 1903.  After listening to several of Alan and Steve’s antique machines, we departed for the hotel and a little rest before our dinner and party Saturday night.

Fogo De Chao restaurant was the location of our Saturday dinner, which consisted of a fantastic Brazilian style meal that we would all need for the next event.  Then it was on to Craig and Doreen Bierman’s home again to see it “in action”.  We arrived to find literally everything in the home going full blast – all the displays, the antique fans, machines, bar, games… you name it and it was working.  Even the life size display of Marilyn Monroe from the movie “Seven Year Itch” with her skirt blowing up.  Midway through the evening, the crowd was amazed by a wonderful showman – Dennis Rogers – Pound For Pound, The World’s Strongest Man.  After an hour or so of bending ½” diameter nails, rolling up frying pans small enough to fit through a wristwatch and driving nails barehanded through more frying pans and wood blocks, the party really got rolling in the disco room and lasted into the wee hours with everyone having a great time.

Our schedule for Sunday morning began with a 10:00 a.m. visit to the home of Russell and Joann Beasley.  The Beasleys live in a beautifully remodeled home that has a dedicated game room over the garage.  The room incorporates some of the most beautifully restored coin operated machines that I have ever seen.  A large part of the display flanks both sides of a large flat screen television, giving the viewer the option of looking at the collection while they watch TV –  a well thought out arrangement.

The final stop on the Sunday convention tour was the residence of Jamey and Cynthia Fleck.  The Flecks work from home and are both collectors with an excellent taste for the unique and unusual.  Jamey’s coin op collection contains fabulous original, unrestored machines and related advertising.  It occupies a dedicated display room upstairs, a TV room downstairs and his home office, while Cynthia is still working on plans to display her very large collection of antique and unusual ladies compacts. 

Thanks to everyone who made this one of the best conventions ever for our club.  We found that everything is bigger in Texas – especially hospitality and friendship.  See you at next year’s convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  For ease of viewing the photos, select VIEW AS SLIDESHOW after clicking the link below.

View Photos Here!

 

C.O.C.A. to tour Jasper Sanfilippo Estate

On Thursday November 9, 2017 C.O.C.A. members will once again tour the fabulous 57 acre estate of Jasper Sanfilippo in Barrington Hills IL.  The 44,000 square foot Victorian Palace houses one of the largest collections of mechanical music and coin operated machines in the world. 

All of the finest music, penny arcade, and antique gambling machines are beautifully restored and displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting.

{image_1}The music room is home to the world's largest theatre organ complete with 80 ranks and a total of 8,000 pipes.  Complete with its own balcony and cage elevator it also houses a multitude of music boxes, orchestrions, coin pianos and much more.

In the carousel building, home of the world's most complete example of a European salon carousel, there are numerous band organs, steam engines, railroad locomotives, and an 89’ wide by 42’ tall carved facade featuring life sized carved horses and giant art glass butterflies.  This is a tour you do not want to miss.

 

 

• Event Details:

 

• C.O.C.A. will also be celebrating  its  20th Anniversary as a club at this magnificent estate.   In celebration we will be serving cake and refreshments in the Carousel House.  Then a small meeting consisting of election of new officers and the induction of a new C.O.C.A. Hall Of Fame member.

 

• C.O.C.A. members will meet in the Carousel House at 6:30 pm for the refreshments and meeting , then continue touring the Jasper Estate until 10 pm.

 

• Cost of this event is $25.00 per C.O.C.A. member. Payment must be received by October 25, 2017.  Make any checks payable to C.O.C.A.  and send to Treasurer- Keith Morris   4804 Clubview Court, Fuquay-Varina, N.C. 27526.  COCA Members may bring one guest at an additional cost of $25.
• OR PAY WITH PAY PAL TO:  dues@coinopclub.org

 

• This event is self driving, there will be NO BUS TRANSPORTATION. So please buddy up with someone who might need a ride.

 

• Please meet in the lobby at 5:00 pm of the Hilton Garden Hotel for wrist bands and driving information.                                                                                         

 

• Click this link to view a brief  VIDEO TOUR OF JASPER'S

 

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Bob Levy’s slot machines hit the jackpot at Morphy’s $1.8M auction

DENVER, Pa. – Just about anyone who collects antique gambling or coin-op machines knew the late Bob Levy. He was such a presence in his field of expertise that he became known throughout the world as simply “the slot machine guy.” On Sept. 3rd, more than 200 coin-op enthusiasts gathered at Dan Morphy’s auction gallery an hour northwest of Philadelphia to bid on the treasured private collection Levy had amassed over a lifetime.

The Levy selection was offered on day two of Morphy’s Sept. 2-3 sale, together with neon signs, mechanical banks and antique advertising. The grand total for the two-day event was $1,836,000, inclusive of 20% buyer’s premium.

“The sale was a huge success. Our new auction room was bursting at the seams, and we even had to bring in additional chairs to accommodate the overflow,” said Morphy’s CEO Dan Morphy.

A Pennsylvania newspaper columnist, Gene Friedman, also commented on the strong attendance, noting, “I never saw the place so full, and that includes the parking area.”

The Levy session ran five hours and kept attendees riveted to their seats. “Many of the coin op people had never before set foot in our gallery. I found it amazing that they stayed till every last machine was sold. It was a landmark event for the hobby,” Morphy said.

Dr. John Morphy, who is head of Acquisitions & Appraisals for his son’s auction company, observed: “Many of the successful buyers had been to Bob Levy’s home in the past and tried to buy machines from his collection, but of course they weren’t for sale. At the auction, the machines sold for tremendous prices.”

Among those in attendance were members of the Levy family, who remained through the entire second session. “They were very pleased with the results and wanted to express their thanks to our team,” said Dan Morphy.

The top-selling machine – and top lot of the sale – was a Superior 5-cent Horse Race slot machine. Considered one of Levy’s supreme acquisitions, the gold-medal-winning machine also dispensed confections, which could be viewed through glass windows on the front panel. Estimated at $20,000-$25,000, it crossed the finish line at $36,000.

One of the most ornate of all cast-iron poker machines, a Mills Little Duke poker machine was in working order and retained its original marquee and playing-card reel strips. Against an $8,000-$12,000 estimate, it cashed out at $32,400.

A magnificent Caille Centaur upright slot machine with carved oak cabinet on cabriole legs handily exceeded its estimate, selling for $24,000; while a Mills 5-cent Dewey upright slot machine with original reverse-on-glass façade earned an above-estimate $21,000. Highly sought after by collectors, a Buckley “Bones” 25-cent dice slot machine enjoyed a hefty payday, selling for $19,200.

The Levy collection included several sports-related vending machines. A Jennings wood-cased 25-cent slot machine that paid off in golf balls well surpassed its $4,000-$6,000 estimate to land a winning bid of $14,400.

“We were thrilled that so many new bidders attended the auction,” Dan Morphy said. “In particular, many of the coin op collectors told us they were blown away by the results and that they were very impressed by the way our team handled the sale.”

“I’m sure that Bob Levy, who established our Coin Op and Gambling Machine division, would have been very happy to know that his personal collection generated so much excitement amongst fellow collectors,” Morphy continued. “Bob had a very generous spirit. He also would have been pleased that the auction of his machines brought greater exposure to Morphy’s within the collecting field he was so instrumental in developing.”

To contact Dan Morphy, call 717-335-3435 or email serena@morphyauctions.com. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.