shyvers multiphone

[Ginger Prince]

Hi Everyone.

I was having a look at a slot machine close to me when the seller asked
me what i would give for the item on the small table next to the slot

well all i knew then was it looked kinda neat small cast aluminium, 50's
probably in design look,

since i got back i checked out the internet and seen some of the machines
and how they operated in their time, but have no idea on value whatsoever

this one has a small crack in the perspex at the top and the coin entry/mech
is missing, just a slot at the top, do not know if anythinh left inside, but a very
nice decorative item with some history

if anyone knows anything more about there history or value, much appreciated

will post a pix off the internet as do not have pix of machine for sale

many thx

ps i have read that only 8000 were made, over x20 years, is that true?

best regards GP

[davethebirdman]

Neil - Just sent you an e-mail of one for sale on .co.uk

[TomFromJersey]

Hi GP
  Condition is everything with these. Complete, with the jewels, about $400 is right. If it has the counter mount, thats a bonus. I've seen them with red, blue, and green jewels. I saw one that was even made into a table lamp, and it looked really nice. I'm looking for one right now myself. Passed on a super nice one earlier this year and I've been kicking myself. If you can get it between $200-$300 jump on it.

[Ginger Prince]

thx dave/tom

she wants over twice that so unless i get it for $100 i'll pass on it.

GP

[loman4ec]

Can I ask what this is? What does it do? I have never seen one before.

[Kilroy]

Think of it a remote jukebox. The customer would  drop in coins , which activated a  phone call to the central office.  the unit had  a phone and the customer would forward their request information to the 'DJ"  in the remote office. The records actually were offiste, the DJ would  load  it, and broadcast it back to the multiphone unit. 

A pretty cool idea I think. 20 78's were the standard  for Jukeboxes in the 1930's and 40's, and this setup allowed a lot more selections.

[bubba]

So its a personal radio station almost?