Overview
A classic mechanical coin-operated shooting gallery featuring a pneumatic pistol that fires small steel balls at targets within a Western-themed diorama.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
ABT Manufacturing Corp. 'U.S. Marshal' Shooting Gallery, c. 1950
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Chicago served as the undisputed global capital of the coin-operated industry in 1950 when this 'U.S. Marshal' machine first hit the floors of penny arcades and bus stations.
Maker / Origin
A.B.T. Manufacturing Corp., founded by Walter A. Tratsch, was the gold standard for mechanical shooting games and precision coin-handling mechanisms.
Condition & Value
The cabinet shows honest 'patina' consistent with arcade use, including minor scuffing on the oak frame and some paint loss on the blue metal panels. Value is primarily driven by the mechanical functionality of the pistol and the preservation of the original lithographed graphics.
Research
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