We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
1904 Mills Owl Strength Tester – Floor Standing Arcade Machine
Today in the world of collecting coin operated amusements, there are many machines which are classified as “unattainable.” These machines are either so rare that there are only 1-2 or no known examples today. This is one of the rarest as well as the earliest Penney Arcade machine you will ever hope to find and is considered one of the unattainable examples. Of the few in existence I would guess that this is the most original complete example in working condition. When bringing this Mills back we were very mindful not to over restore it. It is a Museum quality example. Everything is there including the original tin litho Strong Man clock face. To keep the unit strong we did replace a few small pieces of wood in the top panels. You can just imagine the rough use an arcade machine like this took. Thats why there are almost no examples left… 84″ tall x 24″ wide x 30″ deep… $16,000