Balestra Barber Shop, Collectible Toys, Coin Op, Primitives, and Antiques-Online Only
Lot 47:
Description
This coin-operated arcade machine is a mechanical grip strength tester attributed to the Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO). The unit features an A-frame cast iron housing with a red and black painted finish. It is designed for countertop use and operates on a one-cent coin mechanism. The front features two vertical handles, with the outer handle designed to be squeezed toward the inner fixed handle. The resulting force is measured on a vertical analog scale behind glass, with numeric increments ranging from 10 to 300. The top of the machine includes a cast metal coin entry marked 1 CENT and a rear mounting bracket hand-stamped with serial number 1418. Decorative decals are present on the side and front panels. The side panels display a muscular figure with the text ARE YOU STRONG OR WEAK? TEST YOUR GRIP. The front panels flanking the handles read TEST YOUR GRIP TO-DAY 1c. The internal mechanism is visible through the open back of the machine.
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