going to look at a Fishtails and Black Knight

maddog14

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I need to be prepared price wise what I should Offer.

Black Knight, NON working routed machine that has been sitting. Cosmetic condition unknown

Fishtails Current routed machine. may have issues and needs attention. Cosmetic Condition Unknown.

Some pricing help would be great.
 
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FT usually goes for sub 2k even in decent shape. If its working but beat up, maybe you can snag for 1k?
 
BK, 300 to 500, considering you can get a decent working one for 850 if you watch long enough.
 
At least where I live. I am selling my fish tales right now, in good shape minus cabinet fading, for 1800 and I have a lot of interest and hopefully a buyer this morning.

A local op here just sold his, in pretty nice shape, not much fading for $1,500, but that was a deal to a buddy.

Just giving you some numbers :)
 
I think at auction I have seen a FT go as cheap as 800(probably back to the original owner), but would think 1200 would be more the norm. That's not to say that 1500 would be out of the question in the current market for a decent condition routed one needing shopped out. As for BK, 600 or less would be a good price. But remember, if the cabinet is in very good shape, and the playfield has little to no wear, that BK could be restored back to a pinball that could very well be more valuable than the Fish Tales. I think I have seen prices as high as 1800 for a nice restored specimen. So you kind of have to look at what's beneath the dirt to see if its really a pin you want to put the time into.
 
So,I was at the pinball pound today looking at the FT and DK.. low and behold, in the corner was this cute little TAF. It was looking at me with those little pinball puppy eyes... I had to bring that one home too.

When I get them unloaded, I will post pics.
 
Fish Tales can have a wild value swing depending on the playfield and cabinet. The can is often faded and the playfield is often quite worn on the inserts. Even if it's dirty and broken - if the FT is unfaded/unworn - you're good to go! Fade can be replaced with new decals, but a new/good playfield's gonna cost you...if the playfield is worn, I'd try to go below $1000.
 
here are some pics of my rescues today.
 

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Scored and Addams, too!? NICE!

Colors look great on the FT cab...oh, and it's got a topper too - that definitely adds value. How's the playfield look?
 
Nice finds...the fading or lack of fading if very nice to see in a FT. Also, if you ever decide to sell or trade you're JP let me know. I'm currently looking to trade my JM, plus cash for a JP.
 
Nice finds...the fading or lack of fading if very nice to see in a FT. Also, if you ever decide to sell or trade you're JP let me know. I'm currently looking to trade my JM, plus cash for a JP.

I asked my son if I could sell the JP. He about took my head off. LOL Negative Ghost Rider.

I got the JP for him. So I cant let that one go.
 
Fish Tales can have a wild value swing depending on the playfield and cabinet. The can is often faded and the playfield is often quite worn on the inserts. Even if it's dirty and broken - if the FT is unfaded/unworn - you're good to go! Fade can be replaced with new decals, but a new/good playfield's gonna cost you...if the playfield is worn, I'd try to go below $1000.

I've seen FT's go for $2500+ That game now seems to be a solid $1800 in good condition. Mr. pinball's 2012 guide puts it at $1825. If it's fully-functioning, the main thing you want to look for is wear in the center of the playfield, wear around the VUK and cabinet fade. If there's no wear on the playfield, that's a great find. A lot of those games got heavily beat up.
 
I've seen FT's go for $2500+ That game now seems to be a solid $1800 in good condition. Mr. pinball's 2012 guide puts it at $1825. If it's fully-functioning, the main thing you want to look for is wear in the center of the playfield, wear around the VUK and cabinet fade. If there's no wear on the playfield, that's a great find. A lot of those games got heavily beat up.

+1. $2500 seems high but maybe for a HUO or collector quality. Finding one without fish wear on the PF seems impossible. The insert covers for them are actually very good (though they dont fit 100%) but it would be nice to NOT have to add them.

I paid $1600 for mine a year ago. No cabinet fade, but fish insert wear. Rest of PF near perfect.
 
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