$7,500
Penny Arcade Fortune Teller Machine. Cleopatra. Temple of Fate! Consult the Oracle! English, Early twentieth century. Overall 23” x 43” x 13”. A magnificent early mechanical coin-operated fortune teller machine, unrestored in the original wooden cabinet. In the scene, a painted wooden figure with fabric clothing representing Queen Cleopatra stands in the Egyptian-styled parlor. The player’s fortune appears in the fireplace in the rear, based on the spin of the wheel of fortune that moves in concert with the numbered brass dial mounted to the front; the fortune is also dispensed as a printed ticket. Wooden fixtures in the cabinet painted in gilt and silver, including gargoyles and Sphinxes flanking the fireplace, busts of pharaohs and a row of owls above the mantle, and a fortune-telling table with fabric cover appointed with a skull, globe, playing cards, and an open book. A hinged frontal door opens to reveal the extensive internal iron and brass works, apparently complete but presently non-functional. A side chamber for loading fortune tickets lacks cover. Finish of cabinet well worn, chipped, with a few drill holes at top. Right column at forefront chipped at top. Dirtied and dusty overall.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2016-07-23
