Duck Hunter Machine - What do I do??

[davethebirdman]

Hi Guys

I have a dilemma. Its a nice dilemma but a dilemma never the less...

My NOS Duck Hunter arrived today. I opened the box and it is as it would have been delivered back in 1951 (Newspaper dates to Feb 4 1951) It needs to be assembled etc...

Its far too good to be played with and this is my problem... I have two kids who are desperate to play with it.

So, what do I do???

Options....

1. Sell on and home to make a profit then buy another used one...
2. Keep set up and display
3. Put back in box and have that warm feeling that I have something new from 1951 but nobody is going to see it and certianly nobody is going to play it...
4. Play with as it was intended to be..

Here are some piccies... I have never had anything NOS before. Paintwork is near perfect there are a few scrathces to the dome but very small and probably caused by rubbing etc....

[coke_and_stuff]

I wouldnt play with it, I would display it out of the box where it can be enjoyed. Keep the box in safe keeping.

Joey

[Kilroy]

That's quite a dilemma. I suggest sending it to me why you mull over your options 

Semi-Seriously, I am torn - The value will go down slightly once it's assembled and used,  but then it's like restored muscle cars (or classic or antique) we call trailer queens (hauled from show to show, never driven, never allowed to be trouched) - what's the sense of having a classic if you aren't going to enjoy it?

Build it, then set up a laser securtiy system around it, that can be deactivated by you when you want to play

IF I could find a used one, in good shape, I'd sell it and use the profit to buy the second one, and to buy something for Mrs Birdman.

[MoonDawg]

     It's real nice Dave. I would assemble it, let the kids play a few games then
when they are asleep, disconnect a few springs and tell them it broke 
     I'm sure they have plenty of modern toys that they will get more enjoyment
out of than Dad's N.O.S. toys.

[Pat Pixley]

Dave nice Game    all bright and shinny and  NOS  you did well,
and you do have a problem .
I'm going to say I would have to agree with Glen on this
let the kid's have a go at it for a day  Then I would box it up
and put it away for a while, If the Kid's like to play it then you can keep
 your eye's open for one that has been used and set that up for the kids. .

  And later on sell the one you had put away  for some big bucks  .

[loman4ec]

I have to honestly say that I would sell it to someone who will display it. Then I would buy another. You may have the only NOS one left in existence.

[collecture]

I'd play it, but monitor the kids on it (or play it with them) so it does not get needlessly abused.
Sure you are going to lose a little value in it, but it all hinges  on what you paid for it.
Anyway to mount some wheels on it so you can easily put it away when you are not home?

The older they get, the better they will be with the games and you could stick it away for a few years too. Pull it out later when they are more responsible.

But again, I'm with Kilroy - play it. You can't take it with you when you die!

[Creighton]

Dave,
I'd go hunt some ducks. The game was made to be enjoyed not setting in a box waiting for someday.
Creighton
 

[SIGNGUY]

I agree with the earlier post... set it up, let the kids try it , they will get bored with it faster than you think.. then just set the rule they aren't allowed to touch it when your not around... They will have other things to keep them entertained I'm sure... buy'em a Wii or something they'll get more fun out of

[Ginger Prince]

Dave,

tell them that you only bought it to give GP as a gift

but that GP says that they can play with it, til he gets
down there to collect it

regards GP