Founded circa 1920, the International Mutoscope Reel Company of New York was one of the first producers of arcade style movie projectors, later branching out into full theater projection and boardwalk novelties like fortune teller machines and crane machines like this lot. Hardwood cabinet, measuring 23" wide, 20" deep and 72" tall, with brass plate marked "ELECTRIC TRAVELING/ CRANE" at the top, glass on three sides of the play area and a photographic background of men working on high steel, with the instructions on the right side and a disclaimer effectively stating that no prize was guaranteed on the left. The crane is made to look like a construction crane with a 3-fingered claw, flanked by Empire State Building themed designs, and the hole for dropping the winnings is directly in front of the crane. A metal barrier separates the crane from the playing field, and a second piece of glass inside the front door prevents any loose prizes from falling out when opened for maintenance. Controls are a simple wheel for moving the crane forward or back, with the crane activated by inserting the nickel. A small locking storage compartment is present in the front of the cabinet, below the game itself. Included with the machine are the following prizes, all made from metal; three dogs, one man in a turban and vest, a deer, horse, woman's shoe, frog and a bear. Games of this type can double as gambling machines, with the animal prizes used as tokens to be handed in for the payout.

Excellent, with some mild wear. The prizes show some paint loss and handling marks. Not function tested.