"Gypsey" Fortune Tellers
By Ed Gloeggler
Hello,
Damon Atchison inquired on the 27th about the automated fortune tellers of the 1920's, and was interested in knowing how their motions were operated.
I had the pleasure of repairing a number of these at Rockaways' Playland in the mid '70's, many of which dated to the 20's and 30's. We usually called them "Gypsey forune tellers," although some had moose heads added to them etc. The old gal, who sat in an oak and glass box next to an electric candle would move her arm across a deck of cards, take a breath and her eyes would move back and forth. Then the machine would spit out a little folded brochure with your fortune.
All the machines I've seen or read about were mechanical, with a motor, belt and crankshaft of sorts. The movements of the jointed plastic body were primative, at best. The sections of the body were draped with clothes to cover the joints. The fortune tellers were made in various types since the turn of the century, with "Princess Doraldina" of 1928 being the most popular. She was made by the Doraldina Corp. of Rochester, NY., and was the most advanced that I recall, with rolling eyes, etc. Before one of these machines was featured in the movie "Big", they were selling for about $300. Now, unfortunately they are listed in price guides for some $12,000.
The "Collector's Guide to Vintage Coin Machines" by Richard M. Bueschel has some pictures and information about these fortune tellers, although nothing is mentioned about the mechanics. Information about books, old machines for sale, etc. relative to vending and amusement machines can be found at www.GameRoomAntiques.com .
I miss Doraldina. Of course I'm the guy who turned her down for $200.
Best regards,
Ed Gloeggler, Long Beach, New York
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(Message sent Fri 29 Nov 1996, 12:31:49 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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