Fortune telling machine
Fortune telling machines are machines that suggest to the customer that they can prophesy the future or the truth. As a rule, the prediction is made against the insertion of money. Predicting the future is anchored in many cultures, so it makes sense to make money comfortably with fortune-telling machines. Most common so far was the output of the prophecy as text on a card.
The first documented constructions existed as early as 1820. The machines were particularly popular in the USA around the 1930s, but devices were also installed in Germany. The technical functions and the optical design are constantly subject to developments and fashions. The entertainment value of fortune telling machines has continued over the decades and is still to be found today.
story
Shortly before 1820, the Swiss Jean-David Maillardet who built Great Magician Clock ( German Great Wizard clock ). It was designed like a mantel clock with a figure in magical clothing sitting on top. A small tray could be inserted with a question, whereupon the figure stood up, rolled her eyes, and wiggled her wand. Doors swung open and showed the answer. In 1867, J. Parks patented a similar construction. Both machines were very error-prone and could not run without supervision.
In the late 1870s there was the Music Fairy ( German music fairy ) machine . The customer selected a predefined question with a pointer and then put in money. Then music played and a fairy figure showed one of three possible answers, which appeared behind an opening door. It is difficult to obtain information about this unpatented invention.
Gambling and fortune telling have the element of luck in common. Wheels of fortune were an integral part of the competition at early fairs . In the 19th century they had spread across Europe. It is therefore obvious that the first fortune-telling machines also had a wheel to turn. Patents prove that early fortune telling machines could be converted into gaming machines with small changes. The first patent for a machine that was produced on a large scale dates back to 1889. This machine was also available in two versions: a version with a kind of wheel of fortune for gambling and a version with a picture of a “gypsy” as a fortune-telling machine.
A book describes the historical development of fortune telling machines in England. The earliest versions of fortune telling machines were probably set up at train stations. In the early 19th century there were around 170 amusement machines in London. Large department stores like Woolworth also set up amusement machines. The machines became a permanent feature. They were seen as supporters and advisers, like the theater, readings or museums.
In 1891 the first fortune-telling machines were found that issued cards with prophecies. They were simple devices that were attached to the wall. The cards were in a variety of drawers. Hundreds of variations were created over the next few years, each differing only in the number of drawers. In advanced models, figures moved hands or lips when opening the drawers. From this the constructions developed in which animated figures issued the cards themselves.
In the beginning, manufacturers advertised that the fortune telling of the machines "guaranteed to be true". After imprisonment was imposed, the guarantees were withdrawn.
So the advertising line:
Drop in your penny
I will tell you true
what Fortune has in store for you became
the modification:
To tell your fortune
I do not pretend,
but I'll give you some fun
if a penny you'll spend
Throw in your penny
I'll tell you the truth,
what fate has in store for you
I don't
pretend
to tell you your fate
,
but I'll give you some fun
if you spend a penny
Fortune telling machines were particularly popular in the USA in the 1930s. For example, they were on promenade, in amusement parks or restaurants. In these tough economic times, the machines offered a temporary change from everyday life for one coin.
A widespread form of fortune telling machines are wooden boxes with figures behind glass that predict the future. Mostly they were dolls of well-dressed women, but there were also bearded men. Even figures of animals were used. These figures were either shown scaled down with the whole body or only their upper body in life size. The constructions were surprisingly lifelike - for the time. The fortune tellers showed various movements, movement of the head and hands, nodding, blinking, breathing movements and the handling of mystical objects, fortune telling cards or tea leaves.
During the war years , the production of mechanical components was only permitted for war-relevant industries. As a result, many of the machines were assembled from parts from earlier equipment. Especially in the 1950s and 1960s, the old-fashioned fortune-telling machines came back into fashion. The devices were produced again. The dolls were now less detailed.
The illusion didn't stop with the characters, but continued with the technical process. This was shown, inter alia. with a supposed selection of zodiac signs, which, however, did not affect the result at all, as was the case with the Zoltan model, for example. Or some machines from the Gypsy Grandma series ( German gypsy grandmother ) from the 1940s onwards had a loudspeaker and a microphone in the upper left corner of the windshield. However, they were without a technical function and only intended to give the customer the feeling that he could talk to the grandmother.
Modern machines are available with a variety of fortune telling characters, the examples range from the alien to Elvis to the skull with a screen.
Germany
Not very much is known about German models. One was the oracle machine from around 1930, the manufacturer is not known. On the front of the oracle machine, the customer saw a disk with 16 prophecies, in the middle of which was an arrow. Inside the machine hung a kind of paper water wheel . If the customer put in a 10-pfennig coin , it fell into one of the wheel compartments. This weight moved the pointer on the front and showed the customer his answer. Many of those sayings revolved around love and marriage, all formulated in a little rhyme. There one read, for example: "Don't be so open-hearted, otherwise you will never succeed in your beautiful plan" or "The registry office, oh hear my word, this is a place of horror for you."
In 1933 an article about fortune-telling machines appeared in the German trade journal Der Automat . In the introduction it was explained that the number of fortune-telling machines is getting bigger and bigger. The contribution tried to emphasize the seriousness and usefulness of these amusement machines. Fortune telling should be understood, it said, that it shows possibilities that correspond to the character of the customer.
"However, one should put the words at the entrance of every printed divination: Think about yourself!"
The chiromancy machine, for example, issued cards about the customer's “skill and character”, the truth of which the customer had to find out for himself. The machine gave many people the first opportunity to think about themselves. He encouraged the exploration of the relationship between body and soul. The fortune-telling machines basically offer the same answers as a human fortune-teller, who only makes general statements. The statements apply if the customer makes the effort to develop further. Even if a machine is wrong, the customer can still draw the strength for a change from it. Just because many people find it too burdensome do they say that fortune-telling machines are fraudulent. According to a survey from 1939, 40% of women believed the prophecies in the machines.
"We can use the fortune-telling machine, the machine from the 'fourth dimension', calmly: for entertainment, for stimulation and for learning our own judgment skills."
The article was accompanied by an advertisement for the horoscope sale machines of TH. Bergmann & Co. from Hamburg-Altona. The appearance of the free-standing device is of high quality and it is made "indestructible" so that it also works in the open air. The customer could set his birthday on the handwheel and received a card with the horoscope. The machine contained 1200 horoscopes, which were “written in a serious, individual way by Dr. Rühlemann, Hamburg ”. He promised income of 100 Reichsmarks per day for the operator. The device attracted customers with symbols of the signs of the zodiac, promised “statements about character and fate” on the device label and recommended that they also check the horoscopes for the relatives. The ADE machines and fast cars GmbH from Berlin-Reinickendorf had a selling point: "a replacement for the banned game machines" She recommended the stand a fortune telling machine as
Design types
The presentation methods of the fortune telling machines were varied from the beginning: wheel of fortune, rotary dial, card issuing, animated figures.
Machines without figures using The Wizard Fortune Teller as an example
Complete view of the Wizard Fortune Teller from the collector's website www.pinrepair.com (English)
Link to the picture
The simpler versions of fortune telling machines are designed without mechanical figures. These machines offered, for example, pre-formulated questions from which the customer could choose one. The questions were, for example, “Does my future look bright?” Or “Can I trust my love?”. The machine gave the answer yes or no .
The machine The Wizard Fortune Teller ( German The Magician Fortune Teller ) was a bit more dedicated. The first version of this fortune telling machine was made by Mills Novelty Co. from 1904 to 1910 . This version was simply designed and had a wooden box. From 1919 to 1927 a version with a metal case followed, which was decoratively decorated to attract more attention. The metal design showed a heart with owls in love in its exterior design and promised to reveal the future spouse. The decorative elements were designed as a bas-relief with colored decorations in red and green. Also depicted were a magician with a magic wand, a censer from which red steam rose, another owl and images of the zodiac signs.
The customer could select a pre-formulated question with an arrow. There were a total of six questions to choose from. The panel with the questions and the one with the answers could be exchanged by the operator. Instructions for this were located inside the housing. Some questions were only for women and others only for men. A question about the future spouse was not necessarily included. After inserting a 1 cent coin, it was time to press a button on the side. As a result, a disk with the possible answers was set in motion inside, similar to a wheel of fortune . On the front, above the questions, the twisted answer was then displayed in a small window. For example, one question was: “Do I have hidden enemies?” The possible answer: “No, everyone likes you.” The answers were not only in text form, but also possibly as small drawings. In response to the question addressed to women, “What will I look like in the future?”, A contemporary drawing of a stylish elderly lady appeared.
Machines with figures using the example of Princess Doraldina
Showcase view of a Princess Doraldina machine from 1928 from the collector's website www.pinrepair.com (English)
Link to the picture
The Automat Princess Doraldina ( German Princess Doraldina ) from Doraldina Corp from 1928 clearly shows how the appearance of the fortune-telling figures improved. Because it is said that it was her pretty appearance that attracted customers. You can see the upper body of the figure in life size. She is dressed and adorned in typical "gypsy" clothes, which differed slightly depending on the variant. Her head was made of wax. The hair and the eyebrows were made of human hair. She wore makeup and nail polish. When she did a divination, not only did her eyes and hands move, but her chest rose and fell as if she were breathing!
She breathes
She sees
She tells you all
She breathes,
she sees,
she tells you everything
- Labeling of the Princess Doraldina machine
Doraldina was sitting at a small table on which lay several fortune-telling cards . After inserting 5 cents, she moved her hand over the spread cards. Then a card (not from the table) fell through a slot to the customer. If you compare this card with those of other machines, there are relatively long texts here. An excerpt read, for example: "The dream of a parade will herald a deliberate change in life."
A Princess Doraldina machine was auctioned for nearly US $ 40,000 in 2021.
Automata with animals using the example of Puss in Boots
Showcase view of a Puss In Boots machine from the collector's website www.pinrepair.com (English)
Link to the picture
Animals such as polar bears, brown bears and monkeys can be found not only in modern fortune-telling machines, but also in ancient ones. The donkey in a dress, for example, which uses a ship's steering wheel to choose the right answer, appears curious.
Popular was the machine with the Puss in Boots ( English Puss In Boots ). Many reproductions of this machine exist. There were replicas in the 1930s and 1980s. There are only a few originals left. It comes from the same manufacturer and from the same period as the early Madame Zita automat , Roover Brothers Co. at the turn of the century. The sophisticated technology is also noteworthy here.
The tomcat is dressed like a fine person, with a hat and of course boots. His face is designed as true to the original as possible with hair or in other versions made of wood. Whiskers wear both versions. The hands are not hairy, but made of wood. His facial expressions show a smiling grin. The tomcat sits like a human on an upholstered stool. He holds a staff in one hand and a small metal tray in the other. The customer had to insert a 1 ¢ coin and then pull a lever. Thereupon the cat turned and with the stick opened a wooden box that was at his feet. He then led his small tray to a card magazine in the corner of the display case, where it received a small fortune telling card. With that done, he led the tray back to the front and tilted it. The card fell into the open wooden box, which he promptly closed again with the stick. In these varied actions, the head and upper body followed the movements. The card with the fortune telling slipped down a shaft to the customer.
Function types
Preformulated questions using the example of An Answer from Beyond
The machine An Answer from Beyond ( German An Answer from Beyond ) claims: "The Egyptian mummy Ramses the Great will answer your question". The device was manufactured by Exhibit Supply Co. between 1937 and 1941.
The original design picks up on the Egyptian theme. The automat is shaped like an upright sarcophagus . There are three pyramids on top . The color from the front is mainly black. The illuminated glass nameplate in orange, red and yellow stands out. Also on the front are Egyptian motifs made of chromed aluminum, further pyramids, a camel, the Sphynx .
With the help of a rotary wheel, the customer can choose one of twenty questions. The questions were, for example, “Will I get married soon?” “Will I be successful?” “Should I keep the secret?” Or “Your secret question” as a joker. To get the answer to the selected question, the customer has to look into a small window in the machine.
Automata with handwriting using the example of a mystical pen
Detailed view of a Wizard's Pen machine with bobbins and a half- hidden pen from the collector's website www.pinrepair.com (English)
Link to the picture
Another technically simple machine pretended to write down the buyer's destination with a pen.
In the 1930s, the Automat Wizard's Pen ( German pen of the magician ) became known, offered by the International Mutoscope company . He was re-hook by Mike Munves in the 1940s and 1950s Mystic Pen ( German Mystic pen ). By the laying on of hands, the machine supposedly recognizes the character of the customer and makes individual predictions. The machine advertises that the message "is read out by your own mystical radiation", "Your character [is] transmitted from the palm of your hand through the coil to the pen."
Examples of cards in alleged handwriting from the collector's website www.pinrepair.com (English)
Link to the picture
In a typical display case, two large electrical coils can be seen at the bottom , connected with decorative wires. In the middle there is a pen, the lower part of which is covered. After inserting the coin, the customer must place his hand firmly on a pre-formed metal plate. The pen inside the showcase begins to move as if it were writing. On some devices, a label prompts the user to keep an eye on the pen to see how it works. After a while the mystical pen pauses and the handwritten - in fact preprinted - message is ejected.
An example of a message offers the following in handwriting: “You have a quick eye and a lively imagination […]. You are hardworking, kind-hearted and personable [...]. You enjoy music and you will benefit from something late in life ”. The back of the card shows itself to be business-minded. Under a drawing with advertising slogans, she asks the reader to insert another coin, and the "Mystical Pen will write you even more."
Magic trick machines using a nameless example
A strange automaton performed a supposed magic trick. The machine dispensed a piece of paper, the customer wrote his name on it and pushed it back into the machine. There a gypsy doll put it in her pocket, took it out again after a short time and, as if by magic, there was a message on it besides the name! The answer to the riddle was chemicals in the pocket that exposed invisible ink .
Early technology using Madame Zita as an example
Two views of a Madame Zita machine from American Antiquities magazine (English)
Link to the picture
The automat Madame Zita ( German Mrs. Zita ) should be emphasized . On the one hand because of its early creation date, on the other hand because of its technical sophistication and not least because of its general popularity. Madame Zita was made by the Roover Brothers as early as 1895 . In contrast to the nickname, the sign of the machine says Mlle Zita , which means Mademoiselle , i.e. Miss Zita . It was among the most popular fortune telling machines from the wedding of the machines. There are only a handful of original machines left. The design of the doll-sized, young madame and her clothes vary greatly, from a gypsy to a widow to a woman with long blond braids. The design of the machine in general is delicate, a graceful doll in a narrow showcase that stands on graceful, curved legs.
The mechanics behind the machine are noteworthy, and they were surprisingly detailed: the customer pushed in 1 cent and then flipped a lever on the side. On the left side of the doll there is a glass card magazine in which a stack of thick cardboard fortune telling cards can be seen. The doll opens the flap to the cards with her left hand. With the other hand, she reaches for the card magazine at the same time and uses a flexible thumb to take the bottom card from the stack. She then carries this card to the right, where the movable thumb opens. This creates the impression that the fortune teller is throwing the card. It falls into a bucket, which leads the card through a shaft to the customer.
Verbal fortune telling machines using the example of the speaking gypsy woman
Long shot of the Talking Gypsy in Virginia City from American Antiquities magazine (English)
Link to the picture
A very rare piece is a machine that does not speak its messages through printed cards, but with the help of a sound recording.
After 2010, the Talking Gypsy fortune-telling machine became famous in the press. Charles Bovey (1907–1978) wanted to keep the budding ghost town of Virginia City with its historical core from decay. He bought them and other cities. He restored, preserved and equipped the buildings with antique games, jukeboxes and curios that he had collected over the course of his life. Among them was the machine with the gypsy woman - her value undiscovered. The doll stood in the shop window of a restaurant for decades and had suffered from the sun's rays. In 1998, Virginia City state acquired many of these buildings and their contents. Again among them was the fortune-telling gypsy.
The talking gypsy automaton “spoke” with the help of two wax phonograph cylinders . These sound carriers tend to wear out quickly. The Talking Gypsy is simply known in English under the name Gypsy ( German Gypsy ). The machine comes from Mills Novelty Co. and was made from about 1906 to 1908. The advertising text advertised the machine with the fact that this machine was unique because it spoke the prophecies , and added that "the astonishing similarity to life [...] astonishes all viewers."
The wooden machine is about 2.40 meters high. Above can be read "Your Fortune told by a human voice" ( German "Your fate of a human voice speaking" ). The writing is flanked left and right by two glowing lanterns . There was a kick on the front for children . The paper mache gypsy's torso sits in a showcase . She wears a green and yellow bodice dress , also made of paper mache, with white sleeves made of silk. Her hair is dark, with a kind of crown on it. Playing cards are shown in the front area and in their hands, a red curtain in the background. Both left and right of the showcase there is a money slot with a lettering. The price of 5 ¢ is noted next to the coin slots. Another special feature: the left coin slot is for male customers, the right one for female customers. When money was inserted, the doll's head turned towards the visitor. The eyes were mobile, they looked at the customer and began to twitch back and forth. The paper mache teeth clacked behind her fixed smile. Depending on the choice of coin slot, the corresponding roller started, one for men, one for women. The reels of the machine held about 40 messages. These were, for example, "You will marry three times, with increasing joy" or one should "wait a bit for the greatest happiness [of] life." Another message warned of a dark-haired woman, "She will get you into trouble."
The voice of the gypsy came from pipes protruding from the box, to which one had to hold one's ear. The voice is said to have spoken with an Eastern European accent. It was originally copied onto tape for preservation. The tape failed in the 1970s. In 2009, the physicist Carl Haber at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory succeeded in using optical technology to restore the original audio data without even having to touch the old wax cylinders. In 2013 it was discussed to let the speech rollers run again in order to record the voice digitally. This could be played next to the machine on display in Virginia City.
Around 2005, the Montana Heritage Commission began restoring the machine. The aim of the restoration was to stay as close as possible to the original condition. During restoration, worn or broken parts were either repaired or replaced with exact replicas. If no replicas or materials from the period could be found, those parts were not replaced. The fabric of the language tubes, for example, was rewoven. The doll's crumbled silk sleeves have been replaced. The moving parts were still functional. The restorer worked for free when there was no more money available. The grandson of the inventor of the Talking Gypsy offered financial support for the restoration. In 2008, the restored vending machine was on display on Virginia City's Main Street, lined with historic wooden houses . Visitors are kept at a distance by a cordon.
When the find became known, collectors estimated that there were a maximum of three of these talking fortune-telling machines in the world. Various collectors tried to acquire the Talking Gypsy, including David Copperfield . The price was estimated at around $ 10 million. The state rejected the offers to buy, even if it was under financial pressure. It was more important to those responsible to make the rare exhibit accessible to the public.
Projection technique using Madame Morgana as an example
Long shot of a Madame Morgana machine on pinterest
Link to the picture
Another technical variant was presented by the automat Madame Morgana by Bacchus in the 1970s . On the one hand, the shape of the box left the well-known upright square and is similar to upcoming arcade machines with an excellent superstructure, recessed screen and control elements at table height. These controls included surfaces for laying on hands and, on some models, a selection of the zodiac sign.
Behind the screen there is a neutral mannequin head in an exalted black collar with an attached headdress. After the money was put in, a woman's face was projected onto the surface of the doll's head . This face moved and seemed to be looking directly at the customer as it spoke his fate.
operation area
Vending machines for charity using the example of the British Institute for the Blind
Fortune telling machines were also used for fundraising. An example of this is a small vending machine from England from 1920–1930 that was operated by the British National Institute for the Blind . The machine was made by Walter Hard in Ramsgate . "Every penny that ends up in this box," so the label, "helps the blind to overcome their severe handicap."
On a small box stands the figure of a man with a white cane , protected under a glass dome. The man is fashionably dressed and has a contemporary, thin mustache . He stands in the middle of a circle on which statements are written in colored fields. After inserting a coin, an old British penny , the blind man turns and points with his cane at a piece of wisdom. The sayings were, for example, “Beware of the widow”, “Now is the accepted time” or “Go get yourself a wife. She will take care of your folly. "
Automata in the film using the example of Mystic Seer
Film scene with the Mystic Seer machine on a Mystic Seer fansite
Link to the picture
In the 1960 television Twilight Zone episode "Nick of Time" (starring the young William Shatner ), there was a small fortune-telling machine that doubles as a napkin holder in a diner . The functionality is known: insert a coin, press a lever and the machine issues a card. The cards contain sayings that are intended to provide answers to yes-no questions. In the TV series, these statements always seem eerily truthful.
In the TV series, the machine is called Mystic Seer ( German Mystic Seer ) and has a high recognition value due to a wobbling devil's head on the top. Under the Mystic Seer there is actually another model of fortune telling, namely the Swami Fortune Machine . For the film, the creator of Swami was hired to design various covers for his machine that can be used as props . The model for the wobbling devil's head was initially the head of a Halloween candy dispenser, which a latex model was reproduced for the film .
The Mystic Seer , whose replicas can still be bought today, achieved cult status.
Automata as art using the example of the all-seeing Trump
The all-seeing Trump machine in Manhattan, New York Photo on CNN
Link to image
Towards the end of the presidential campaign of Donald Trump , in October 2016 appeared in New York City , a fortune-telling machine with a Trump doll as a prophet, "The all seeing Trump" ( German "The all-seeing Trump" ). It was a moving art installation with a satirical, animated version of Donald Trump. According to the artists, the concept was that Trump joyfully predicts a very dark future in which he will become president. His aggressive, insulting election campaign is mocked by the machine's statements. The media attention was very high. Passers-by rated the work of art as uncomfortable, frightening and truthful.
The artists said the vending machine was placed in locations related to Trump's politics, such as Trump Tower , a mosque in Queens , a Mexican and American restaurant, the New York Times , Fox News and the organization Planned Parenthood .
The order for the production of the machine was awarded to Characters Unlimited , who produce fortune-telling machines for casinos and Hollywood. The client paid $ 8,000 for this. The artists worked on the machine for four months. Who had created the machine and where it appeared afterwards remained unknown. The artists wanted to keep their identity a secret, but not their political opinion, in which they described Trump as very dangerous for the country.
The doll in the showcase of the machine wore Trump's typical outfit, with a white shirt, dark jacket and red tie, as well as the distinctive hairstyle. The US flag was draped in the background and a plush bald eagle (heraldic animal of the USA) sat on Trump's shoulder. The doll had bright red eyes. The arms moved a little around a crystal ball. The voice came from comedian Anthony Atamanuik, who became famous as an impersonator of Trump's .
The all-seeing Trump had a decidedly anti-immigrant stance and a grim outlook for the future. You pressed the red button, he had announced gloomy predictions and spat a misfortune card ( German misfortune map ) from, for example:
"If you want to see the future ... build a nuclear bunker."
If he wanted to have Mexicans transported away on trains, like “cattle” and “better than the Germans”, parallels to the Holocaust cannot be negated. The supposed president wanted to break off trade relations with China because he doesn't understand Chinese: “I like: 'Hello? Speak English! '”The machine knows about women:“ Not every woman is unattractive - only the fat, disgusting ones. [...] We will make America sexy again! "
The Trump in the machine told people to “look poor” and to let a “rich doll predict their future”. A card adds: “I see great wealth in the future. For me, not for you. ”As President, he will elect his cabinet members himself, because“ [this] is a very important role for the President. ”Not all statements are made up, like this true quote from January 2016:“ Me could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone and I wouldn't lose any voters. "
Famous automatons
Zoltan
From probably 1967 until the early 1970s, Prophetron produced a fortune-telling machine called Zoltan . Only a maximum of 60 pieces were produced. It is believed that the name was derived from the Hungarian word for sultan ( Hungarian szultán ). An advertisement for the machine promises a lifespan of 20 years, not least because of the durable fiberglass material . Furthermore, the plush fabric curtain and the personalized astrological predictions were touted.
This model leaves the classic box shape. It's a showcase on a narrower base. The modeling should be reminiscent of ornate gold. Zoltan is one of the fortune telling machines that allowed customers to select their zodiac sign in advance. Buttons for the twelve zodiac signs were attached both below the display case and on the side. In later series, the additional zodiac buttons on the sides were removed and replaced with red and white stripes. What was new was that the customer had to pick up an everyday telephone receiver to hear Zoltan's wisdom.
Inside the showcase, the customer sees the torso of a gray-bearded man in sultan's clothing, who is looking into a large crystal ball around which he is holding his hands. The execution of the doll, however, lacks the attention to detail that the earlier dolls from the 1930s show. This development towards the simpler appearance of the automatic dolls will be maintained.
The price was initially 10 cents, which was later increased to 25 cents. After inserting the coin, the customer held the telephone receiver to his ear and selected his or her zodiac sign using the buttons. The crystal ball lit up and illuminated Zoltan's face. The figure could not move, in contrast to most fortune-telling machines with figures. A mystical background music played through the listener until Zoltan proclaimed his wisdom in a deep voice in an allegedly strong Hungarian accent. Incidentally, it was project co-founder Robert Cottle, American actor and TV presenter, who originally gave the machine its voice. Most of the time he began his statements with the words “This is Zoltan speaking” or “Greetings from Zoltan”. The machine contained a continuous tape with 14 wisdoms, each lasting approximately 1 minute. Regardless of which zodiac button the customer pressed, the tape started. After a message was played, a conductive marker stopped the tape. The fortune telling was about the future, lucky numbers or preferred colors.
Zoltan vs. Zoltar
There is often a mix-up between two machines: Zoltan and Zoltar speaks ( German Zoltar speaks ). The latter is known to many because it appears in the 1988 film Big with Tom Hanks . There he fulfills a boy's wish to be an adult. However, looking at both devices, it is obvious that they are completely different devices.
| category | Zoltan | Zoltar speaks |
|---|---|---|
| Known | around 1970 | Movie Big 1988 |
| shape | Showcase on stand | classic box shape from the 1930s |
| Base color | gold | Red |
| Money slot | classic coin slot | The coin is to be placed in the mouth of the figure using the cranks and the ramp. |
| Preselection | star sign | - |
| prop | Crystal ball | - |
| animation | - | Mouth opens and closes rhythmically |
| Lighting (color) | Crystal ball (white) | Eyes (red) |
| begin | directly after inserting a coin | only after successfully placing the coin |
| Divination | by voice output | by card |
Due to its popularity, the name Zoltar is often synonymous with a fortune telling machine . The range on offer ranges from a small version for the desk to a bookable attraction with a lively improvisational comedian .
Bocca della Verità
The fortune telling machines Bocca della Verità ( German mouth of truth ) have a historical template. The Bocca della Verità is a 2000 year old relief from Rome that shows a face with an open mouth. According to a medieval legend, if you put your hand in the mouth of the relief and then tell a lie, your hand would be bitten off.
These fortune telling machines have been manufactured in Italy since 1987. The design changed over the years, even if the motif remained the same. Today different sizes are available, from about 1 m to the real size of about 1.70 m. The machines are sold in many countries, such as England, France, Spain, Russia, Japan. The model has been copied many times.
A deep voice is heard when money is inserted, although the original in the saga did not speak. At the same time, a red light appears in the mouth of the relief. The customer puts their hand in their mouth, palm down or up. The machine is now presumably scanning the hand lines. In addition, we hear confused computer noises suggesting that the device is working. Finally, a small piece of paper appears in an output compartment. The note offers several sentences, for example: “Sometimes it is better to act than to think too much.”, “It is too early to say whether you are a lucky person or not. "Or" You are an intelligent person who knows how to use your brain well. "Below the sentences there is a bar chart for the areas of life, love, health and money.
Other cultures
Japanese cultural area using the example of Omikuji
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Omikuji are strips of paper with divination written on them and found in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan . The predictions concern fate, money, health, work, love, business, study and travel. For tourists, the prophecies are now also given in foreign languages, such as English, Chinese, and Korean. The price is generally below 2 euros.
70% of the omikuji in Japan today are produced by the Nishoyamada shrine in Shūnan . The shrine's 21st priest, Shigetane Miyamoto, campaigned for women's rights around the turn of the century . In 1905 he established a women's association, a year later he founded the 'Women's Road', including a magazine. These activities are financed today through the Omikuji. Miyamoto also developed a vending machine for the omikuji. This was Japan's first vending machine that he tried to sell nationwide. His son improved the machine. When a coin is inserted, a lantern starts to glow and music is played. The divination is given out as a strip of paper.
In addition to simple machine models, there are unusual ones, for example with figures of a cat or a pigeon. Another variant are vending machines in the Gashapon style, which sell lucky charms in capsules in addition to prophecies. The machine with a mechanical lion dancer ( Japanese 獅子舞) in Nishiki Tenmangu, a shrine in Kyoto, is famous .
gallery
Automat Gypsy Grandma , but without an inoperative loudspeaker
Omikuji prophecy, among others in English
Fortune telling machine and love barometer, around 1990 USA
In amusement arcades like this one were fortune telling machines in the USA. erected (Photo Kansas City 1968)
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Web links
- List of various American fortune telling machines , offered by the Pinrepair collector
- Hear predictions from the Zoltan machine as mp3 , offered by the Pinrepair collector
Individual evidence
- ↑ 9 Ways To See Switzerland. Retrieved May 28, 2019, August 3, 2021 (American English).
- ^ A b Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 153 (English).
- ^ A b Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 154 (English).
- ^ A b c Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 21 (English).
- ^ Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 28 (English).
- ^ A b Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 157 (English).
- ^ Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 29 (English).
- ^ A b c d e Nic Costa: Automatic pleasures the history of the coin machine . No. 1 . Kevin Francis, East Dulwich, London 1988, p. 157 (English).
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Your Wish is Granted. In: americanantiquities.com. American Antiquities, accessed May 31, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Fortune Teller Machines - Coin Operated Fortune Telling Machines. In: bmigaming.com. BMI Gaming, accessed June 13, 2021 .
- ↑ Roadside America (not available from DE) ( Memento from February 27, 2021 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Modern Fortune Teller With Screen. In: pinballrebel.com. Ken In Texas, accessed June 13, 2021 (American English).
- ^ Friedrich K. Struckmeier, Georg Meth: Old machines: Mute vendors - machines to play with - music out of the box . Callwey, 1988, ISBN 3-7667-0903-8 , pp. 118 .
- ↑ The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 416 .
- ↑ a b The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 418 .
- ↑ a b c d The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 423 .
- ↑ a b The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 424 .
- ↑ The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 417 .
- ↑ The automat . The specialist body of the machine economy. tape 7 , no. 12 . Der Automat, Berlin December 1933, p. 429 .
- ↑ Oracle Fortune Teller Countertop Arcade Machine. In: liveauctioneers.com. LiveAuctioneers, 2014, accessed June 12, 2021 .
- ^ Wizard Fortune Teller Wood. In: arcade-museum.com. The International Arcade Museum, accessed June 17, 2021 .
- ^ Wizard Fortune Teller Metal. In: arcade-museum.com. The International Arcade Museum, accessed June 17, 2021 .
- ↑ The Wizard Fortune Teller Countertop Arcade. In: liveauctioneers.com. LiveAuctioneers, 2014, accessed June 12, 2021 .
- ↑ Mills Wizard Fortune Teller. In: auctions.morphyauctions.com. Morphy Auctions, 2014, accessed June 17, 2021 .
- ↑ a b c 5 ¢ Princess Doraldina Fortune Teller Machine. In: auctions.morphyauctions.com. Morphy Auctions, 2021, accessed June 5, 2021 .
- ↑ Fortune Teller Machines - Coin Operated Fortune Telling Machines. In: bmigaming.com. BMI Gaming, accessed June 12, 2021 .
- ↑ Roovers Donkey Wonder Fortune Teller Machine. In: invaluable.com. Invaluable, accessed June 12, 2021 .
- ↑ a b Roovers Puss In Boots Fortune Teller Machine. In: invaluable.com. Invaluable, accessed June 12, 2021 .
- ↑ Roover Brothers Puss in Boots coin operated arcade fortune teller. In: pinrepair.com. Retrieved June 12, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ a b Madame Zita. In: arcade-museum.com. The International Arcade Museum, accessed June 10, 2021 .
- ↑ Roover's "Puss and Boots" Fortune Teller Machine. In: the-saleroom.com. Metropress Limited, accessed June 12, 2021 (UK English).
- ↑ a b c 25 ¢ Exhibit Supply Co. The Egyptian Mummy Ramsees Arcade Machine. In: auctions.morphyauctions.com. Morphy Auctions, 2018, accessed June 5, 2021 .
- ↑ 5 ¢ Mike Munves Mystic Pen Fortune Teller Arcade. In: liveauctioneers.com. LiveAuctioneers, November 20, 2019, accessed June 4, 2021 (uS-en).
- ↑ a b c d e International Mutoscope Wizard's Pen aka Mike Munves Mystic Pen. In: pinrepair.com. Retrieved June 4, 2021 (American English).
- ^ Roovers Brothers Madame Zita fortune teller sells in Las Vegas. In: paulfrasercollectibles.com. Paul Fraser Collectibles, February 1, 2016, accessed June 10, 2021 .
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k Matt Volz: Rare find discovered amid town's Old West kitsch. In: washingtontimes.com. The Washington Times, August 29, 2011, accessed May 30, 2021 (American English, identical item with photo under NBC News ).
- ^ Bovey, Charles, 1907-1978. In: snaccooperative.org. Social Networks and Archival Context, accessed June 2, 2021 (US-en, From "Guide to the Charles A. Bovey Papers," 1882–1983, Montana Historical Society Archives).
- ↑ a b c d e f g Kim Murphy: In Montana, an old arcade game worth a fortune. In: latimes.com. California Times, October 21, 2011, accessed June 1, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ a b c d Beth Judy: Already Spoken For . In: Lee Enterprises (Ed.): Montana Magazine . tape 2 , 2013, p. 34–39 (English, Already Spoken For PDF - page 36).
- ↑ a b c Beth Judy: Already Spoken For . In: Lee Enterprises (Ed.): Montana Magazine . tape 2 , 2013, p. 34–39 (English, Already Spoken For PDF - page 39).
- ↑ a b Fortune telling machine, England, 1920-1930. In: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk. The Science Museum Group, accessed June 5, 2021 .
- ^ Daniel P. Livingston: What's Inside the Mystic Seer. In: mysticseer.com. Daniel P. Livingston, accessed June 6, 2021 (British English).
- ↑ Where have all the props gone. In: twilightzone.org. The Twilight Zone Archives, accessed June 6, 2021 .
- ↑ a b c d e Ashley Hoffmann: This Animatronic Fortune Telling Trump Machine Has Been Roving New York City Streets. In: time.com. Time USA, October 12, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 (uS-en).
- ↑ a b Chris Snyder: The story behind the Donald Trump fortune teller machine that everyone's talking about. In: businessinsider.com. Business Insider, October 11, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ a b c d e Laura Bonilla: Trump fortune-telling Zoltar doll provokes New York. In: timesofisrael.com. The Times of Israel, October 14, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 (American English).
- ^ A b Diana Crandall: Businessman Had Vision to Make Trump Fortune-Telling Machines. In: insidehook.com. June 13, 2017, Retrieved June 3, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ a b c Eyewitness News: Donald Trump 'Zoltar' fortune-telling machine appears in NYC. In: abc7ny.com. ABC7 New York, October 14, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 (uS-en).
- ↑ a b Alex Mak: Trump Fortune-Telling Machine Placed at Trump Tower. In: brokeassstuart.com. Broke-Ass Stuart's website, October 14, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Jeremy Diamond: Trump: I could 'shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters'. In: cnn.com. CNN, January 24, 2016, accessed June 3, 2021 .
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j 1969 Prophetron Zoltan Fortune Teller. In: pinrepair.com. Retrieved June 6, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Mini Zoltar: Hey Speaks! In: amazon.com. Amazon.com, accessed June 13, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Book Living Arcade Fortune Teller. In: scarlettentertainment.com. Scarlett Entertainment, accessed June 13, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Leander Petzoldt: Historical legends: From antiquity to the present . 1st edition. Verlagshaus Römerweg, 2008, ISBN 978-3-86539-159-9 , p. 26 .
- ↑ La Bocca della verità. In: dps-promatic.com. DPS-Promatic, accessed June 15, 2021 .
- ↑ aka Bel: La Bocca Della Verita - The Mouth of Truth. In: h2g2.com. BBC h2g2, January 12, 2007, accessed June 15, 2021 .
- ↑ a b La Bocca della verità. In: dps-promatic.com. DPS-Promatic, accessed June 15, 2021 .
- ↑ La Bocca della verità. In: dps-promatic.com. DPS-Promatic, accessed June 15, 2021 (French).
- ↑ a b c Draw an "Omikuji" when you visit a temple or a shrine! In: go.jp. Japan National Tourism Organization, July 2016, accessed June 13, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ James Redmond Chua: How the Spread of "Omikuji" Became Related to the Women's Empowerment Movement. In: nrev.jp. Nagaoka Review, March 15, 2021, accessed June 14, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ Omikuji Japan - A Comprehensive Guide To These Fortune Telling Slips. In: sugoii-japan.com. Sugoii Japan, April 29, 2021; accessed June 15, 2021 (American English).
- ↑ One day in Kyoto: Japan's most magical city. In: amypink.com. AMY & PINK - Marcel Winatschek, accessed on June 15, 2021 .
