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There appears to have been 3 or
more different adaptations of the Blue Streak theme
manufactured by Exhibit; both before and after World War 2.
This one was last operated in commercial service on Rampart
Street in New Orleans in 1939, substantiated by the presence
of all tax and license stickers from the city up to that
date. The blue paint is original (although faded) and the
silver paint is proper for this model. A publicity photo of
this same model in a 6-side cabinet verifies the artistic
treatment of walnut veneer, blue and silver paint. There is
an animated background consisting of a sprocket and rocker
arm which is typical of most of the pieces of this model
series. The sprocket and rocker arm move in unison with the
crane boom and claw during the game cycle, but actually have
no necessary connection to the operation of the mechanical
mechanism.
This as-found unit was
considered too original in condition to benefit from
restoration and it now resides, as shown, in a private
collection along with 2 other valuable machines of the same
Art Deco era.
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