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Mutoscope
New Yorker
Electric Traveling Crane
circa 1937
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Every
coin-op collection should include digger games.
Digger, Claw, and Crane games are perhaps the most
classic arcade devices of all time. They originated as a
penny candy vendor in 1896 and they have survived to the
present day in many adaptations of style, designs and
play method. They have over 100 years of rich and
interesting history. They are fascinating to play, and
it is fun to "See it Operate".
Despite the fact that in the 1930’s diggers were by far
the most popular category of coin-operated games they
are now becoming increasingly hard to find, and they are
conspicuously absent from many collections. My work as a
Restoration Artist is devoted exclusively to antique
digger games. I offer a limited number of restored,
high-quality, investment diggers from my collection each
year to discriminating buyers.
If you are interested in acquiring a meticulously
restored example of a ‘Deco Era’ digger you may wish to
review my Picture Gallery. There you will find images
(and information) of a wide variety of diggers which I
have restored during past years. If you view a machine
you admire, visit the section Acquiring a Restored
Digger, and feel free to contact me regarding
availabilities from my studio.
I am also compiling a detailed history of these games
for eventual publication. I would welcome your
contributions of photographs and information, and/or
collaboration with this effort.
As you can see, the VINTAGE AMUSEMENTS web site is
definitely the center for interest in these antique
games, and I always welcome inquiries about any aspect
of your interest. I offer informal appraisals, and I
also buy parts, incomplete projects, and partial
machines which help further my work
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