(Item 187)
The 3 Jacks (often referred to as a “Penny Flip” or “Five Jacks”) is an absolute icon of early 20th-century arcades. These machines are the ancestors of modern pinball and slot machines, relying on a mix of skill and “gravity-induced” luck.
By 1910, these trade stimulators were common in cigar shops and saloons. Here is a breakdown of what makes this a classic piece of Americana:
Mechanics and Gameplay
The machine operates on a deceptively simple premise:
The Action: You drop a penny into the slot and use a “finger to flip” to launch the coin into the playfield.
The Goal: The coin bounces off brass pins (baffles), and the player aims to land it into one of the three (or sometimes five) moving pockets or “Jacks.”
The Reward: If the penny lands in a pocket, it triggers a payout. In 1910, this usually wasn’t cash—it was “trade” for a 5-cent cigar or a drink, hence the name Trade Stimulator.
Key Identification Features (Circa 1910)
| Feature | Description |
| Cabinet | Usually solid oak or mahogany with a decorative cast-iron or brass coin entry. |
| Playfield | Often features a colorful lithograph background with “Jack” playing card imagery. |
| Glass | Original machines used thick, wavy “pulled” glass. |
| Manufacturers | Common makers included Field Manufacturing Co. or Exhibit Supply Co. |
Value and Collectibility
Because these were made of wood and cast iron, they are quite heavy and durable, but the internal “payout” mechanisms are often finicky.
Originality is King: Collectors look for the original paper lithographs. If the “Jacks” artwork has been replaced with a modern print, the value drops significantly.
Legal History: These were frequently targeted by anti-gambling laws. Many surviving machines have “For Amusement Only” plates added later to avoid being seized by police.
Note on Maintenance: If you own this piece, avoid using modern WD-40 on the brass pins or flipping mechanism. It attracts dust and creates a “sludge” that ruins the coin’s flight path. A dry graphite lubricant is usually the way to go.
Please email for price.
