Exhibit Supply Co. Iron Claw Oak Cased Arcade Claw Machine, Early 20th Century
Item Details
Notes from Third Man Records Archivist Ben Blackwell:
When I moved to Nashville in March of 2009, the scene was a zoo. There were so many folks in town for the big opening of Third Man, managers, lawyers, publicists, Meg White, all the Dead Weather (before people even KNEW they were the Dead Weather)…so many folks that space was at a premium. My then-girlfriend Malissa (now my wife) spent the first week living in the pool house. And during that time, this humble little claw game was there with us, seemingly the first thing I’d see upon waking up every morning. It was sparsely filled with little jewelry and trinkets and I goofed on it for a little bit here and there. The whole contraption is simple, almost painfully so. I like to think that simplicity mirrors the time I spent in my life with it. I had no idea if the idea of Third Man would ever work, so much so that I nixed the idea of a “going away” party for Malissa and I as I was pretty sure we’d have to move back to Detroit after six months. I know most of this has nothing to do with the claw game, but I thought maybe the insight into just one of the paths that has crossed this machine, however briefly, might be inspiring. Our tendency to visualize the “life” of inanimate objects doesn’t hurt, but I wonder when exactly humans first did this. It feels almost second nature…but I doubt primitive man placed any sentimentality into their favorite rocks. So understand that there’s legitimate sentimentality here, just not to the point that I desire to bring this device into my house just so my three daughters can destroy it. In short, be honest, love your family, try to be a good person and most importantly, be true to yourself. This claw game almost certainly promises none of that. And to wit, that’s exactly the point.
| Game | Iron Claw |
| Brand | Exhibit Supply Co. |
| Working Condition | Untested; functionality not guaranteed |
| Model Year | 1926–1939 |
| Additional Information | Comes with a signed COA from Third Man archivist Ben Blackwell, which will be mailed directly to the winning bidder after the auction. |
Condition
- damage to electrical cord; some finish loss; surface marks and scratches.
Dimensions
- This item may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance, vehicle, proper materials, and any necessary tools to pickup. International shipping may be restricted.
Item #
ITMGJ71184
