National Pinball Museum Pieces on Auction Block

Rare pinball machines from the National Pinball Museum are going on the auction block this weekend.

David Silverman, of Silver Spring, founded the National Pinball Museum in 2010 in Georgetown. He was forced to move the National Pinball Museum to Baltimore just months after opening in Georgetown to make room for renovations at The Shops at Georgetown Park at 3222 M St. NW.

The museum closed its Water Street location in Baltimore in March 2013 after it lost its lease there, and much of the equipment was moved into storage.

Morphy Auctions, based in Lancaster, PA, is handling the auction. If you don't want to make the two- to three-hour drive to Lancaster, you can participate online or by phone. 

According to Morphy Auctions, “Film-related machines lead the grouping, with a 1993 Williams 'Indiana Jones' pinball estimated at $6,500-$7,500; and a 1992 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' with fantastic artwork by Kevin O’Connor, expected to reach $4,500-$6,000. Other notable lots include two Gottlieb pinball machines: a rare, low-production 1950s 'Buffalo Bill,' $2,000-$2,500; and a 1952 'All-Star Basketball,' $1,500-$2,000.” 

A full digital catalogue for auctions the weekend of April 26 – 27 is here. The weekend events include auctions on the pinball machines and hundreds of items from other collectors.  

Silverman told WTOP he is keeping a few games that are particularly meaningful to him personally.