Pinball History on a Flyer

[Strangeways]

I've gone through a crapload of old manuals and flyers and I've found some literature which I'd like to share. As some of you may already know - My Father was one of the first Amusement Machine Operators in Australia (first container in the 50's) - so I have BOXES full of old stuff. I sorted out my Flyers years ago, and then I found MORE - But what was of interest to me - was some hand written notes on the front and back of Flyers - Kind of a "snapshot" of prices of pinballs, Arcade equipment and shipping info.

So I found this flyer (see below) - Looks innocent enough - Just a really nice "Top Card" flyer ;

But on the reverse - some PRICING on machines from this era ! See if you can work out the prices of the machines from this era ;

[ajlaird]

Nice piece of history there! I find this sort of thing very interesting.

[Homepin]

Brilliant stuff - please share anything else you have. Interesting that LAI were the AU agents so long ago.

[Strangeways]

Brilliant stuff - please share anything else you have. Interesting that LAI were the AU agents so long ago.

I'll scan more - Videos were sooo expensive back then.

[Strangeways]

Here's an interesting document dated back in 1981.

Have a look at the prices of Video Games - just ridiculous ;

Defender $2000 - not so bad
Qix $2800

Frogger Cocktail $2350 - and we complaint about the prices of 48 in 1 cocktails ! How much would $2350 be worth today ?

NEW PINBALLS

Pharoah $2600
Jungle Lord $2600

Second hand Rolling Stones - $900. Lucky to get one for around $3000 - $3500 these days !

Enjoy !


 

[Strangeways]

Captain Fantastic Flyer with a note that came with it (Typewriter and very thin paper)

[Extra Ball]

In todays dollars the top card was probably in excess of 5k when new?

[Strangeways]

In todays dollars the top card was probably in excess of 5k when new?

Thats a "$" not a "5" 

Top Card - $945
Big Shot - $850
Big Brave - $950
Sky Jump - $815
Big Indian - $1075

Grand Trak10 - $2450 - I STILL have this machine in Storage - and I will restore it once the board is repaired.

Volley - $1200

Speed King - $1350 (Second Hand)

Not sure is they are US prices or Aussie

[Extra Ball]

In todays dollars Nino, 900 back then, easy 5k these days.

[Strangeways]

In todays dollars Nino, 900 back then, easy 5k these days.

Yes mate - all relative.

Just looking at these prices and remembering when I was around 12 years old - I never appreciated the costs etc.. All I remember was watching Video Games being unboxed. Space Invaders lined up next to each other, then Asteroids, Galaga etc.. Would have cost an absolute FORTUNE back then.

The irony of a Frogger table for over $2000 and a Rolling Stones for $900. I do remember KISS machines for $650 - Wait until I find & post that info !!

[pinnies4me]

This stuff is fascinating Nino, thanks for posting and keep 'em coming!!

[MartyJ]

Very interesting Nino.  Great to see this history coming to life.

Its bizarre not seeing a website or email address on top of a company letterhead.  Now I'm feeling old.   

[bossninja17]

GREAT!!! Much appreciated. I love the history of pins in Australia. More please.

[MrMaloo]

Great look back into the past Nino . Thanks for sharing ....

Now who's got a spare Time Machine DeLorean ... 

[Strangeways]

still sorting through flyers etc - sold a few on flea bay - a Frenchman bought just about all the Video flyers !

Got some interesting stuff I'll post later.