Four Square Allwin Question

[JACKSJE4]

I have located a Four Square Allwin deep in the Rocky Mountains that is being offered to me at $1,080. It is similar to the one in the attached photo, but I am told it is in need of a good cleaning and restoration, and that all four games work. It does not come with a stand like some I have seen. The seller is somewhat negotiable on price, but is also aware of what these are and how much they can sell for. I have only seen photos taken with a cell phone camera, so I cannot verify condition. I must rely on his word. It would be a three hour drive each way to see it and pick it up.

My question to those in the know: What are one of these worth? If I make an offer, how high should I go? I was thinking that $800 would be my top offer, that way I could make a profit if/when I decide to resell it.

What are your thoughts?

[Lt Teddy]

Are you driving my way maybe I could go check it out for you and make an offer.

You know it all comes down to condition and how much it is going to take to make them work. Without seeing it personally I would not spend that much money. I would try and say I am willing to pay this Much ??? depending on the condition and then have him hold it till you get their.

[JACKSJE4]

Are you driving my way maybe I could go check it out for you and make an offer.

I intentionally left out any reference to the specific location of this machine (other than "Rocky Mountains") because I knew YOU would jump in the car and go get it ahead of me!

As for your idea on "floating" an offer past the seller before making the trip, I like it.

I still would like to know what our members across the pond think regarding value. I certainly do not want to overpay for this bad boy. I need to justify it in my own mind so that I can justify it to the wife if/when it comes home.

[derek1960]

Think about it only $200 per m/c if you can get it for $800 It's a bargain,
Depending on condition.
Make sure all the laminates are stuck down & the wood behind them is not rotten.
I would like to offer more help but i think i am off to bag up some old pennies

[Lt Teddy]

OK OK I am not really interested mainly because I am out of room. I sure hope you get it so that we can all see how this looks and works. Let us know what is going on???

[JACKSJE4]

Update: I decided to come clean with my wife this morning, so I "floated" the idea of purchasing the Four Square by her. To my surprise she was very supportive, and she even wants to make the six hour round-trip drive with me to go look at it and possibly pick it up!! Her only real objection to the whole plan was where I intended to keep it once it came home.

Isn't it amazing what a 2 lb box of chocolates will do for you?

I plan to contact the seller today to request better photos and see if he/she would consider $800 for it. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Jeff

[Microbus99]

Good for you Jeff! Consider yourself lucky to have such a supportive wife to your hobby. Wish you luck on your journey!

My wife would laugh at me for purchasing ANY kind of game for $800.

[derek1960]

My wife would laugh at me for purchasing ANY kind of game for $800.[/QUOTE]

I can live with being laughed at It's the beatings i cant take

[JACKSJE4]

For anyone interested, I found this link to a similar machine that was restored and converted to accept 10p coins, then sold last month on ebay. The photos provide great detail on how the Four Square works.

Bryans Seven Eleven Four Square Penny Arcade Machine on eBay (end time 15-Jan-10 16:52:18 GMT)

[derek1960]

Just a bit of info to anyone who may buy an Allwins to restore and sell on.
A true collector will always pay a higher price if they play on the old U.K. penny.
That is 1d not 1p pre 1971.

[hanabi]

For anyone interested, I found this link to a similar machine that was restored and converted to accept 10p coins, then sold last month on ebay. The photos provide great detail on how the Four Square works.

Bryans Seven Eleven Four Square Penny Arcade Machine on eBay (end time 15-Jan-10 16:52:18 GMT)

I knew I had seen one recently and have been trying to search the completed listings for that for you!!

I also agree with Derek, keep them working on the Old Penny, much more authentic and should help keep it's value