Bacigalupi Strength Tester Machine 1890's

This is a  rare tavern or arcade strength tester machine manufactured in the 1890's by Peter Bacigalupi. Mr Bacigalupi sold and manufactured phonographs, records,automatic pianos, organs and other coin operated machines like this strength tester on Market Street in San Francisco. He also operated two penny arcades at other nearby locations up until the 1906 earthquake and great fire. This machine is almost totally made of cast iron and steel, there are no pot metal parts like in some of the newer arcade strength machines. Insert a coin and squeeze the handle. One needs a strong grip to get the needle to move all the way around the dial. The machine has been restored and painted to the original colors. The dial is an actual copy of the original dial face that has been cleaned up. The “Push Knob” sign at the top is original but has been repaired. Good working condition. Weight is about 40-45 lbs. Size is 22” X 12” X 7”.