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1975 Gottlieb Abra Ca Dabra Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machine

Matt : Petroliana and Vintage Motoring

Matt Presents
Matt visual aid image
1975 Gottlieb Abra Ca Dabra Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machine
Original Presentation Script

Greetings, fellow enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of vintage arcade games with a fantastic example: the 1975 Gottlieb Abra Ca Dabra Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machine. This isn't just a game; it's a captivating piece of pop culture, brimming with fantasy art and the unmistakable charm of the mid-70s. This particular machine hails from the golden age of pinball, circa 1975, a period when D. Gottlieb & Co. was at the forefront of arcade innovation. The electro-mechanical design, with its intricate relays and scoring mechanisms, is a hallmark of this era, offering a tactile and auditory experience that modern machines often strive to emulate. Crafted primarily from plywood and particle board for the cabinet, with a tempered glass playfield cover, this machine features a complex array of metal and plastic components. The vibrant, hand-drawn fantasy artwork on the backglass and playfield, likely by Gottlieb's renowned artist Gordon Morison, truly brings the 'Abra Ca Dabra' theme to life. In terms of condition, this Abra Ca Dabra presents as 'Good.' We can observe some expected wear to the cabinet and the backglass frame, which is typical for a machine of this age that has seen years of play. The playfield itself appears generally clean, with some minor scuffs, and the score display is fully functional. These signs of use, rather than detracting, often add to the authentic character of a vintage piece. Based on the visible branding and copyright, I'm confident in an authenticity score of 95%. This is a genuine Gottlieb machine. For an authentic piece in this condition, I would place an auction estimate between $1,500 and $3,000. It's a magical find for any collector!

Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.

Item Report

1975 Gottlieb Abra Ca Dabra Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machine

By: D. Gottlieb & Co.

Style: 1970s American Arcade / Fantasy Art

Origin: United States of America

Materials: Plywood and particle board cabinet, tempered glass playfield cover, metal legs and trim, plastic playfield components, electronic and mechanical internal components, printed backglass.

Age: Circa 1975

Condition: Good (visible wear to cabinet and backglass frame, playfield appears generally clean with some scuffs, score display functional, not officially graded)

Value: Authentic: $1,500 - $3,000 (depending on full working condition and restoration needs). Reproduction: N/A (this type of item is not typically reproduced as a whole unit).

Peer-Reviewed Market Values

Dating Range
Pending structured dating
Auction Liquidation
Pending structured market values
Fair Market Value
Pending structured market values
Replacement Value
Pending structured market values
Comparables Used
1 comparable
Research Confidence
Not Run

Maker's Marks / Writing: Gottlieb's Abra Ca Dabra, GAME OVER, BALL IN PLAY, D. Gottlieb & Co., © 1975 D. Gottlieb & Co. 60164 U.S.A., 25¢

Date: 2026-06-25 12:35:40.510706

Description:

A vintage electro-mechanical pinball machine featuring vibrant fantasy-themed artwork with wizards, sorceresses, and mystical elements. It showcases a colorful backglass and a multi-level playfield designed with various targets, bumpers, and flippers, characteristic of mid-1970s arcade games.

Assessment:

This is a classic and highly collectible electro-mechanical pinball machine from D. Gottlieb & Co., a renowned manufacturer of arcade games. It represents a popular era in arcade gaming history. Its condition suggests it is a well-preserved example for its age, though, like most vintage machines, it would likely benefit from routine maintenance for optimal play.

Individual Images:

  • backglass detail
  • whole pinball machine
  • playfield detail
  • backglass front view

Provenance:

N/A

Condition:

Good (visible wear to cabinet and backglass frame, playfield appears generally clean with some scuffs, score display functional, not officially graded)

Identification Score: 100%

The item is clearly identifiable as a Gottlieb 'Abra Ca Dabra' pinball machine, with the name, manufacturer, and copyright date prominently visible on both the backglass and the playfield.

Authenticity Score: 95%

The machine appears to be an authentic Gottlieb production from 1975, as indicated by the visible copyright and branding. The wear and patina observed on the cabinet and backglass are consistent with its age. The 5% deduction accounts for potential internal component replacements or minor cabinet repairs not fully visible in the provided images.

Image Memory Note

None     None

Keywords

Gottlieb, Abra Ca Dabra, pinball machine, electro-mechanical, EM, 1970s, arcade game, vintage, collectible, fantasy art, United States

The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
Report ID:  : q49eb9

Comparables (Similar Items)

Bally Wizard Pinball Machine with Tommy
Bally Wizard Pinball Machine with Tommy
liveauctioneers.com
Sold $975 + 12% BP
USA · 1970s · Wood, Metal, Plastic
A classic Bally Pinball Wizard pinball machine, known for its engaging gameplay and vibrant artwork.
View source record
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/47705014_bally-pinball-wizard-pinball-machine-minneapolis-mn