Lot 257
Carnival Wheel of Chance, Blue Cigarette Wheel
Amusement Wheels have been a staple on the boardwalks of NJ for over 50 years. Most amusement games from this era were home made games, with very ornate paint jobs done by local painters that specialized in amusement park or carnival art. The paint work of this era was much more ornate than today’s plain white wheels seen up and down the jersey shore. Amusement wheels are classified as games of chance, where customers could win anything from towels, candy or cigarettes back in the 1950’s to flat screens TV’s today
The 2 wheels that we have here are from the 1950’s. They were owned by the Martell family that has a long history in NJ amusements business. The wheels were probably used in either Asbury Park or Pt Pleasant Beach. One wheel is a double spinner candy wheel and the other is a double spinner cigarette wheel. Double spinners were very popular but also less common than a single arrow wheel. They would have 2 arrows, an inner smaller arrow which decided who the winner was (the inner circle of names), and the second outer arrow deciding what the prize is or how many of a particular prize would be won. Customers place their bets on a lay down that corresponds to the names on the wheel. The arrows on the wheels are powered from a motor that customers start and stop with buttons. Amusement wheels have always been one of the most popular games on the boardwalks because no skilled is involved and everyone has the same chance to win.
Dimensions: 60” x 60” x 85” Diagonal
Estimate: $800 - $1200