1 Pack of Cigarettes - Sparks ND

Reverse

Script: Latin

Lettering:
Good For
1
Pack
Of Cigarettes

Comment

This is basically a Groetchen Tool & Mfg Co 'Ginger' slot machine type trade stimulator originating in the United States of America, dating from the mid - late 1930's. These machines were used where real gambling slot machines were against the law. They got around the law by only giving out a token if you lined up 3 matching reels which then got you a free packet of cigarettes or a drink at the bar. This one is badged as a 'Samson Sparks Baby'. By the mid 1930's Samson had become a huge company but they suffered a blow when the United Kingdom outlawed gambling machines. In 1937 Jack Holloway died and his eldest son took over the running of the company, quickly becoming the importer of Groetchen Tool & Mfg Co machines to the United Kingdom. This would seem to be the approximate date of this rebadged machine - tying in with the change of the gambling laws in the United Kingdom and gaining the distribution of Groetchen machines. (Worldofcoins.eu)

Name: Sparks
Manufacturer: Groetchen Tool & Mfg. Co.
Year: 1938 - 1941
Type:
Subtype: Reel (arcade-museum.com)