Searching For Electric Football – The Old School Method

The only Electric Football find during an expedition to Reningers Collectibles Extravaganza in Kutztown, PA.

Over the weekend I went “old school” in search of vintage Electric Football items, visiting the Renningers Collectibles Extravaganza in Kutztown, PA. There was a time when actual legwork — that is, walking around a toy show, antique show or flea market — was a pretty fruitful way to pick up Electric Football stuff. And Renningers was one of the “can’t miss”
shows in the entire Northeast.

The Renningers Collectibles Extravaganza

Things could be crazy cheap, owing to vendors who were willing to unload games to anyone who showed interest. As we all know, Electric Football games are on the large side (if we’re lucky) and take up a lot of space on a display table. They also take up space in whatever vehicle they’re transported in. Dealers basically couldn’t wait to get rid of their Electric Football items.

Of course, then this thing called eBay came along, and well, you know the story. More EF stuff is available than ever – for a price. Thanks to eBay my outings to collectible shows dwindled through the years, and when those outings did happen, the challenge turned from finding great Electric Football pieces to finding anything Electric Football related. (Also dwindling during this time were the toy and collectible shows themselves.)

Drop-Kick arcade pinball game from 1934.

My recent Renningers experience reinforced what we’ve come to expect from legwork at this point in time. Even though the Extravaganza has been renown for decades as a “big” show, I came across just a single Electric Football game. It was a Tudor No. 500 from the early 1950’s in the worst box I’ve ever seen. Faded, stained, and mildewed, I don’t know how it was staying together. Inside the pieces were all there, as was the jewel/storage box that Tudor included in those early games. Also inside was a $45 price tag — and a giant crease in the frame and the game. Other than accessories, the game was trash. But, I did find a game. Reward enough in 2014.

By far the coolest football item I saw was a coin-op bagatelle-style pinball game called “Drop-Kick.” It was dated 1934 and arcade quality all the way, with a heavy wooden frame and glass top. At $400 it was a much better bargain than the trashed No. 500. Still, I’m convinced if I keep my walking shoes on some Electric Football bargains will come my way. I’ll keep you posted. And don’t hesitate to tell us about your own non-eBay finds.

 

Earl

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