Check out this cool nickel machine I found

smalltownguy2

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I was browsing one of the local antique malls this weekend, and stumbled across this neat game from the 1950's. It's called "Hot Rod" and it's a skill game. Put in your nickel, try and move the wand from one end of the bar to the other without touching the metal. If you make it, you can get your nickel back. If you touch it, the buzzer goes off, lights up, and takes your coin.

Anyone ever see anything like this? I can't find any info on it.

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Hey, thanks! That info is very helpful.

Seller is asking for $360 for it. The handle is broken - the wire is pulled out. It could probably be repaired, but I really wanted to learn some more information about the game before I bought it.

It looks/acts exactly like the booz barometer you suggested. It HAD to have been made by the same company. I see that Northwestern Co. is still in business in IL, so I'll shoot them a message and see if anyone there knows anything about it.
 
one recently sold locally...

$300 for booze barometer in NJ Craigslist

Note: While the Hot Rod is probably rarer, I think the Booze theme is worth more. Anything beer related seems to keep going up - look at Tapper and Ice Cold Beer. Both are valued way above the game play value due to the theme and cabinet styles (in my opinion).
 
Picked-up a Booze Barometer a couple weeks ago here in Michigan. Switch seems to be stuck open (therefore it is always either on or off can't take and drop the quarter on a failed attempt).

Smalltownguy, did you ever have any luck contacting the company? I am trying to track down a new switch...
 
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