Extremely rare piece, this may be the only one known. Made by Steffens Novelty Company, it is complete with its lustrous wood cabinet and brass catcher on original playing field. No key but o/w excellent and working (opens and closes without the key). .. However lock opens & closes without a key. Printed instructions state “For Amusement Only, No Gambling.” This was done in order to keep the Feds from confiscating the machine. But this machine and other Trade Stimulators were really placed at bars and tobacconists as a game of chance. The more balls caught by the “player catcher” the greater the “Under the table” payoff.
When coin mechanism receives a nickel, player moves the Catcher to the left which releases a ball that drops from the top of the machine and goes thru a variety of pins. Player turns the handle back & forth as the ball changes direction across the playing field. Each caught ball is “Held” below & behind the Catcher until the game ends. Size of payoff is made by the store owner upon verification of the number of balls held. Payoff could be made in cash or merchandise. Approx 15x19”.