This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
Introduced in 1895 and also known as a "picture viewer," the Mutoscope is one of the earliest coin operated arcade machines and was popular well into the 1950s. For a penny, the viewer would look through an eyepiece and turn a crank which rotated an inner drum filled with a series of still photos, giving the illusion of motion. Working on the same principle as the "flip-book," the Mutoscope was a way for patrons to affordably view "motion pictures" outside of the theater. This 1920s machine is made of green cast iron with white painted designs, in fantastic condition with minor paint chipping, all original except for a new light bulb and electric apparatus, in full working condition. It measures 28" high x 7-3/4" wide x 13" long at the base. Stamped on to coin insert plate is "M.M. 78." There is a Babe Ruth advertisement in the display window. On the lens it reads, "International Mutoscope Reel Co. New York." On the display and tray it reads, "Patented, International Mutoscope Reel Co. Inc., New York, U.S.A." The key to this Mutoscope is the enclosed reel -- it is one of the very few known surviving 1920s Babe Ruth reels, originally printed from about 50 feet of regular movie film. Approximately 850 snapshots of Babe Ruth batting and boxing are affixed to the inner drum, giving people who couldn't attend a game the opportunity to see the legendary "Sultan of Swat" in action. A Mutoscope with the only other known Ruth reel sold in a major auction three years ago for over $20,000.00!