A selection of 150 antique penny arcade and amusement machines dating back to the late 1800s is to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers this month, with several machines in the MacDonald Collection expected to achieve four figures during the 21 January sale. 

Hansons Auctioneers is to offer a collection of 150 antique penny arcade amusement machines for sale later this month, with lots including fortune-telling machines, one-arm bandits and bagatelles dating back to the late-1800s.

The MacDonald Collection also includes jukeboxes, table football games, Mutoscopes and hand painted panels from fairground rides, and will be sold at Hanson’s Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall on 21 January.

“Among the most fascinating is a machine which offers a reminder of the film Big starring Tom Hanks,” states the auction preview. “Remember the spooky fairground scene with the Zoltar fortune teller machine? Well, lot 22 is an extremely rare, circa 1890 coin-operated fortune telling machine called The Sorcerer.”

“There’s no key to wind the clockwork mechanism but it appears to be in working order. Made by John Dennison, of Leeds, it’s guided at £1,000 to £1,500.” The Sorcerer will answer your question for one penny, such as, ‘Do I already know the person I shall marry?’; ‘How often shall I marry?’;  ‘What does my dream signify?’ and, rather scarily, ‘Myself in 20 years.’”

Other lots include a 1937 Pace Manufacturing one-arm bandit believed to come from Cunard’s liner The Queen Mary.

“The Royal Comet Club Console needs attention as the mechanism is temperamental. However, it could be yours for around £1,000 to £1,500.”

“And who can resist those penny-in-the-slot machines with a crane-style hand to dip down and attempt to grasp a multitude of treasures below? A 1960s gem from the USA is an Exhibit Supply Company, Chicago, Illinois, Novelty Merchantman crane, lot 52, £1,500 to £2,000.”