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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. Potter & Potter Auctions info@potterauctions.com
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Sign Lifter Advertising Automaton.
Lot 7

Sign Lifter Advertising Automaton.

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
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Starting Bid
$2,000
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$5,000 $500
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Sign Lifter Advertising Automaton. Circa 1910s. Bug-eyed figure in showman's costume and hat pulls large signs from a portfolio (with later "Carton Fantastique du Robert Houdin" lettered on its front). The figure removes and replaces 10 different cards advertising "Victoria Chocolats."

When activated, the figure's head swivels, his eyes move, his eyebrows move, his ears waggle, his left arm pulls out different cards, and his right foot swivels. In the portfolio are thin arms that move the cards back and forth. The figure and portfolio rest on a wooden platform with light-up sign reading "Biscuits Chocolats 'Victoria'". Approximately 40 x 24 x 17".

Third party transportation required. 

Condition

Some wear, a few cracks in the figure's head, some light soiling, mechanism needs adjustment so the "magician" lets go of the old card so he can pull out a new one. Very good. 

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