Original U.S. WWII Homefront “Hit AH” Penny Shooting Trade Simulator Target Practice Carnival Game
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding piece of U.S. WWII Home Front anti-Axis memorabilia, a still-functional penny shooting “Trade Simulator” carnival game in which players aim a small spring-operated pistol at the face of Adolf H, attempting to land a penny into his mouth. Such games were intended as lighthearted patriotic entertainment during the war and could have been found at carnivals, arcades, or even displayed in businesses as a novelty attraction to collect spare change.
Trade stimulators were countertop machines widely used to encourage shoppers to indulge in a game of chance. They became popular in American saloons during the 1880s, their use spreading to cigar, confectionery and general stores. Produced in a wide range of designs, they were developed during the same era as slot machines and were operated by inserting a coin and pulling a lever, the player standing to win prizes of cigars, cigarettes, candy and other goods if a winning combination came up. During periods when gambling was prohibited or in states where gambling was illegal, these machines could be used with little fear of prosecution.
Measuring approximately 25½ x 11½ x 14½ inches, the game is mounted on a plywood base and is constructed primarily of wood, appearing to have been hand-built using wartime materials and components. During our research we located examples of a larger all-metal version of this game, but were unable to find another example matching this predominantly wooden construction.
Operation is straightforward. The hammer of the pistol is pulled back, a penny is inserted into the slot, and the pistol is aimed before firing. A successful shot sends the penny into the figure's mouth, while missed shots slide down through an internal channel and into the collection compartment at the rear of the machine. The original key remains with the game, allowing the back panel to be opened to retrieve the accumulated coins. The front viewing panel is fitted with real glass rather than modern plastic.
This is a fascinating surviving example of American WWII Home Front propaganda and wartime amusement, combining patriotic themes with the classic carnival shooting game. Its unusual wooden construction, retained operating mechanism, original key, and continued functionality make it an exceptional display piece for collectors of WWII memorabilia, vintage arcade machines, or Home Front artifacts.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: France, Germany, or Australia
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany.
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