It looks very interesting and will probably bring a lot of money.
Anyone have any ideas who made this thing.
Here is the description.
First part of 20th Century, this phenomenally rare arcade machine of American manufacture was recently discovered in the Pennsylvania coal regions and is "as-found" with its original wood and interior finish. Any form of magician machine is rare, but American machines are exceedingly rare. In addition, the complexity of the illusion (for a coin-op machine) is mind boggling. The trick, known as Pepper’s Ghost was originally developed in 1863 by Professor John Henry Pepper, and was perhaps a re-designing of an earlier concept by Henry Dircks, a civil engineer who crated a machine that used mirrors and lenses to project a ghostly image for theatrical productions. The interior of this machine boasts an elaborate stage setting where the magician performs the illusion of turning a fancily dressed woman in to a dancing skeleton. The bearded magician wearing a black tuxedo is constructed of articulated metal, having a moving arm, nodding head, and jointed waist allowing him to bow. When one cent is deposited in coin slot, rear of stage becomes lit and the female figure becomes visible. The magician then raises his hand and slowly turns, introducing his lovely assistant. A short while later, the assistant is transformed into a dancing skeleton, while the magician raises his arm directing attention to the illusion being performed. As the illusion progresses, the skeleton fades and the lovely assistant reappears while the magician once again raises his arm, and takes a bow. The final stages of this act are completed when the magician turns back toward the audience, raises his arm, and bows twice more in gratitude of their applause. The entire act takes over 60 seconds. Unlike other magic/illusion machines (Mills, Caille, etc.) this American arcade device is the only known example that truly performs and illusion through a series of mirrors and optical and lighting devices. Likely produced in small quantity by an unknown American manufacturer, this machine was probably was not of great commercial success. Not only did it take over one minute to perform the illusion, but how often would a child want to see the same act over and over (unlike a strength tester where one child could challenge another)? A unique feature of this machine allows the operator of the time to change from the one cent coin slot by removing two screws and replacing it with a 5-cent coin slot (nickel coin slot visible in inset photo). The machine features great attention having been paid to the detailing of the oak cabinet with fancy embossed tin panel inserts and cast iron feet. The elaborate mechanism is quintessentially American craftsmanship including wooden and metal cams, reduced gearbox, and operated by a leather belt-driven attached to an electric motor of U.S. origin (and is so marked). The electrical system consists of knob & tube wiring (popular in the U.S. from late 1800s to late 1930s). A patent date visible on one of the white porcelain knobs states "February 3, 1920 pat." The wiring is done in typical U.S. fashion (110 volt, AC). The machine has a "counter" of American manufacture with an 1899 patent date. The machine screws used in the production of this arcade machine are of standard U.S. thread size (6/32, 8/32, 10/24, etc.). The lock on front panel door was manufactured by Sargent and is unquestionably the original locking device. SIZE: 30" w. x 60" h. x 30" d. CONDITION: Overall in as-found, untouched condition. Wood retains original aged finish (front panel appears to have been lightly cleaned?). Replacement key for front lock. Machine still contains dust, dirt, and cobwebs, but is in fully functional and operating condition. At some point in time (1940s) and operator/owner added a free play button on the upper right hand panel. By pressing button for 6-10 seconds, the machine could be operated without coin.
For details on the auction, go to http://julia.hanovercomputer.com/toy/oct05/catalog/Day%20Twoa.htm The lot number is 603
