Vintage Amusement Arcade Coin-op Game Machine Tabletop, 1933

Baker Novelty Company Kicker & Catcher Arcade Game

COMING SOON!  Just Acquired

Here is an extraordinary piece of Americana History you have probably never seen before

NOTE:  This Amazing Rare is one of the most exciting unique acquisitions CVtreasures has acquired in years.    And the only examples of this historic museum-grade vintage sports piece we could find all had significant Restoration, including replaced labels, parts, etc.    Also based on our research it appears this was reproduced after 1933 for several years later, but some sellers still promote it as `1933.   The original appears to be the "Five Balls" version and most importantly has the 1933 patent stamp on the coin slot.  It appears Baker did a redesign around 1935 including changing from "Three balls for one cent" to "Five Balls for one cent".    

There is also a newer version/remake from the late 1940s from a new company, J.F. Frantz.  One we saw on eBay appears to be that later remake as it has a completely new casing with brighter wood and different labels., design, etc   

 *This 93 + year old gem we have here may be the Only one that is 100% Original Unrestored.  And in remarkable condition.    Note:   This one has the patented 1933 dated stamp on the coin slot.  The couple that have sold in the past decade did NOT have this.  It also has the "Baker cc100" stamp imprinted in the metal on the back inside

Overall condition is very good and original complete with backdoor and key.

Baker Novelty Company Kicker & Catcher Arcade Game

A Wonderful Example of Early American Coin-Operated Entertainment

Early 20th Century; Original, 17.5” height, 14” width, 9.5” depth; Wooden and metal construction titled “Kicker and Catcher / Three Balls for One Cent / Try Your Skill / For Amusement Only” by “Baker Novelty Company” with artwork of football players with moveable action. Overall condition is very good and original complete with backdoor and key.

The Baker Novelty Company Kicker & Catcher is a charming survivor from the golden age of mechanical arcade amusements. Constructed of wood and measuring approximately 14 x 17¼ inches, this early coin-operated game showcases the inventive craftsmanship that made penny arcades a favorite destination during the early twentieth century.

Players inserted just one cent to receive five balls, using a spring-powered kicker to launch each ball into the playing field. Success depended on skill and timing as the mechanical catcher attempted to receive the ball, creating an entertaining challenge that appealed to players of all ages.

Mechanical Design

The game's appeal lies in its straightforward yet ingenious operation. A spring-loaded plunger propels the ball along the track, while the moving catcher introduces an element of precision and strategy. Unlike today's electronic games, every point depended entirely on the player's coordination and the beautifully engineered mechanical components.

Specifications

•  Manufacturer: Baker Novelty Company
• Approximate Size: 14" x 17¼"
• Construction: Wood with mechanical components
• Operation: Coin-operated
• Cost of Play: One cent for five balls
• Features: Spring-loaded launcher and mechanical catcher
• Condition: Displays attractive vintage patina and age-related wear consistent with its age

Historical Significance

Mechanical countertop arcade games such as the **Kicker & Catcher** represent an important chapter in the evolution of American amusement machines. Long before electronic gaming, these handcrafted devices entertained millions in arcades, drugstores, amusement parks, and general stores across the country.

Examples produced by the Baker Novelty Company have become increasingly difficult to locate, particularly those retaining their original components and authentic period character. Their combination of mechanical ingenuity, folk-art appeal, and historical importance has made them highly desirable among collectors of coin-operated machines, arcade games, and early Americana.

Collector Appeal

Original mechanical games from this era are prized for far more than their playability. They embody the craftsmanship and innovation that defined early amusement manufacturing while offering a tangible connection to America's recreational past. Their nostalgic charm and decorative appeal make them excellent display pieces for collectors of vintage arcade machines, coin-op memorabilia, and antique advertising.

Whether displayed in a game room, museum-quality collection, or Americana exhibit, the Baker Novelty Company Kicker & Catcher remains an outstanding example of early twentieth-century arcade history and a fascinating reminder of the era when a single penny could provide endless entertainment.