Odd Missile Command CPO?

ThomasM

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Hi - I just bought a Missile Command and on further inspection the CPO looks very different from the one's I'm used to seeing - does anyone know if this is original or some kind of replacement CPO back in the day? I googled it quite a bit and couldn't see any other references to it, which adds to the mystery.

thanks!
 

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Thanks - that was quick! So are these considered novelties or valued in any way for their limited production, or as I restore this game, should I bring it back to an original CPO? Thanks
 
Some collectors actually prefer "some" Willis artwork to the original.
It's your game, you can do what you like with it. For me, I prefer original art and on my MC, I have a old repro overlay which I applied to a repainted CP.
If I had a chance, I would have bought one of Takeman's repros. (Or maybe I did ... LOL, can't remember ... might be in a box somewhere in my stash of CPs).

Remember, for MC, the artwork was not an overlay, but was screened by Atari onto the CP. (This is what Takeman reproduced).
 
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I like the Willis artwork on that CP but it doesn't really go well with the marquee. If you're doing a restoration, then I would replace it so it matches better. It's delaminating anyway. The Takeman repro is the best option but at the price point it may be cost prohibitive.
 
The original cabs didn't use a CPO. The artwork was screened directly to the panel. Very high quality reproductions were done so if ask around if anyone still has one if you want to go that route.

You don't say? Fascinating. Surprised no one mentioned that already. :argue:
 
Even the cabaret version of the game had a silk-screened CP. But unfortunately, they can come into such disrepair that a CPO is the only answer when restoring.

-
 
Wow. I've always had mixed feelings about Willis CPOs, but after seeing them all in one place, I appreciate them more now.

That Millipede one is badass. I'd love to snag one of those. Popeye is interesting, too.

Thanks for posting that link.
 
Yeah, I agree. I've actually never liked a lot of them, but thought they were interesting in kind of an ugly way. Also a curiosity, that such a company could exist.

But some of them in that list are actually kinda neat, IMO. Makes you wonder if they were different artists, as the styles look different for a few of them.


The Willis CPO's for Asteroids are horrible. IMO.
 
Daft question maybe, but what's the story with Willis? Did they create and supply replacement artwork for operators?
 
Awww so you are the one that bought it. I had talked her down to $100 and she said ok but first she wanted to wait a day or two to see if someone else would pay more. It was in my town too.
 
I like the willis MC side art...

MissileCommand-1.jpg
 
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