As many may know, I find some amusing claims by sellers these days, and my one of my "all time favorites" WAS ;
"It is from a private collection in Germany"
The story behind this was that 6 years ago, I bought half a container of standard supplier container pins and the other half was out of a Collection = Half the games were in excellent condition and each machine was justifiably described as ""It is from a private collection in Germany". Anyway, a few members here bought some of those games. Most people know I have hand picked some very nice games from overseas over the years. I was amused to hear some sellers describing their machines "It is from a private collection in Germany". I guess they are trying to imply that ALL games from Germany are from "private collections" ?
Around 2 months ago, one of these "It is from a private collection in Germany", arrived in my workshop still smelling of blown electronics. Now anyone that can read English can clearly identify that "1 quarter 1 credit" would pretty much signify that the game at one point in time, was operated in the USA. The unsuspecting buyer was told TWICE - "It is from a private collection in Germany"..
The power cable was clearly USA - but because Bunnings sell these STUPID power adapters that accept USA power plugs, it made a lot of noise when plugged in (remember, Germany Power is 220-230V).. Clearly, it was not from "a private collection in Germany". It was a filthy game from the USA. Clearly, any pinball person would see the coin entrance plate " 1 quarter 1 play".
This week had me in stitches. For your viewing pleasure, I have some photos ;
According to a seller, these plaques are "proof" that these games are "from a Museum in Germany" ! I kid you not. These pictured plaques are off my games, but they are EXACTLY the same as the "from a Museum in Germany" plaques. They are the "asset plaques" from a Operator / Vendor in Germany. Like a "compliance" plate on a car.
I went to view the buyer's game that were "from a Museum in Germany", and they looked like parts games. BUT he was duped into thinking they were "from a Museum in Germany".
It just cracks me up these days. But i DO feel for the honest guys looking to LEARN and OWN pinballs that fall for these tactics. I did tell the new owner that I CAN restore his machines to "Museum" quality
if he wants me to. The first of many in already in the workshop.
I think "from a Museum in Germany" tops "from a private collection in Germany", but I'm not sure it gets close to the "Rag in one hand, and Nifti in the other" for some seller's "reconditioning" work
One of these days,, I'll write a book..