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Lot # 429: 1930s Babe Ruth "Bambino" Pinball Machine - Finest Known

Category: Ruth and Gehrig

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2019 Spring Classic",
which ran from 5/7/2019 10:00 AM to
6/7/2019 10:00 PM



One of the true kings of sports coin-ops, and for sure as far as baseball pinballs go this is the Grail for sure. 1930s “Bambino” pinball machine by Bally’s is simply stunning. In original condition except for a few less important screws and bolts, this is the one to have. We have sold several over the years and the others pale comparatively. [We found the first one at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California way back in 1983 for $150!] This one has had no work done and it and never needed it. Most importantly the blast off image of the “Bambino” (c’mon, don’t once words here, that is Babe Ruth in the flesh) on the surface is the best one we have seen by far, with no touchups. That is the key element and this element here is KEY. Also, the back glass which is normally littered with paint loss is perfect. The machine was working at one time as all the electronics are here but in order to get it in proper working order it would be a good idea to have someone who specializes in working on these machines to give it a once over.

One of the truly classic pieces of sports memorabilia. It is amazing that they produced such a spot-on image of the Babe, called it ”Bambino” and got away with not paying the licensing. Either Babe Ruth’s normally diligent agent Christy Walsh was asleep at the wheel (not likely) or the perceived/real organized crime nature of this industry were not to be trifled with.  Either way we are glad it was made.

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