{"product_id":"vintage-amusement-arcade-coin-op-game-machine-tabletop-1933","title":"Vintage Amusement Arcade Coin-op Game Machine Tabletop, 1933","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eVintage Amusement Arcade Coin-op Game Machine Tabletop, 1933\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaker Novelty Company Kicker \u0026amp; Catcher Arcade Game\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOMING SOON!  Just Acquired\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere is an extraordinary piece of Americana History you have probably never seen before\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:  This Amazing Rare is one of the most exciting unique acquisitions CVtreasures has acquired in years.    \u003c\/strong\u003eAnd 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 \u003cstrong\u003e\"Five Balls\" version\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\".    \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere 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   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e*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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall condition is very good and original complete with backdoor and key.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaker Novelty Company Kicker \u0026amp; Catcher Arcade Game\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Wonderful Example of Early American Coin-Operated Entertainment\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEarly 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. \u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition is very good and original complete with backdoor and key.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Baker Novelty Company Kicker \u0026amp; Catcher \u003c\/strong\u003eis a charming survivor from the golden age of mechanical arcade amusements. Constructed of wood and measuring approximately \u003cstrong\u003e14 x 17¼ inches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this early coin-operated game showcases the inventive craftsmanship that made penny arcades a favorite destination during the early twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers inserted just \u003cstrong\u003eone cent\u003c\/strong\u003e to receive \u003cstrong\u003efive balls\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Manufacturer: Baker Novelty Company\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximate Size: 14\" x 17¼\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: Wood with mechanical components\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperation: Coin-operated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCost of Play: One cent for five balls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures: Spring-loaded launcher and mechanical catcher\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Displays attractive vintage patina and age-related wear consistent with its age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanical countertop arcade games such as the **Kicker \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether displayed in a game room, museum-quality collection, or Americana exhibit, the Baker Novelty Company\u003cstrong\u003e Kicker \u0026amp; Catcher\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CVTreasures","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54637276594455,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0882\/6781\/7239\/files\/Arcade-Baker-1933-tagged.jpg?v=1786223081","url":"https:\/\/www.cvtreasures.com\/products\/vintage-amusement-arcade-coin-op-game-machine-tabletop-1933","provider":"CVTreasures","version":"1.0","type":"link"}