Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Coin Op, Advertising & Carnival

Thu, Oct 15, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-10-15 11:00:00 2026-10-15 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Coin Op, Advertising & Carnival https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/coin-op-advertising-carnival-23648
Featuring the collection of lifelong coin-op enthusiast and bon vivant Tim LaGanke, our fall auction features arcade machines, carnival rides, automatons, animated window displays, and all manner of unusual mechanical novelties. Complementing these animatronic and coin-operated marvels are a host of vending and slot machines, gambling devices, masks, and unusual objects from days gone by.
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Lot 179

Dr. Hathaway's Patent Electro-Magnetic Chair.

Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Starting Bid
$250

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Dr. Hathaway's Patent Electro-Magnetic Chair. Chicago: R.W. Hathaway, ca. 1890. Elaborate wooden chair with two metal foot pads on an attached carpeted wooden base, and with various drawers, connections, and brass devices concealed behind the seat in a series of drawers. Used to deliver electrical shocks to the sitter "for the treatment of all chronic diseases." Professionally and expertly crafted. With a reprint of the original advertisement offering the chairs for sale. The first example we have been able to trace. 33 x 19 x 37". Third party transportation required. 

Condition

Not tested with batteries, but evidently rewired for modern use. Use at your own risk!

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