Craig Newmark: But I came prepared to play Donkey Kong. (Photo by David Sifry.)

VINTAGE PINBALL MACHINE – $895 (Fairfield, County)

Did you get your tax refund yet?

1969: Nixon was President, The Stonewall Riots happened in Greenwich Village, NYC, launching the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement, the Beatles had their last performance on the roof top of Apple Records, men walked on the moon, it was the summer of Woodstock and the manufacture of our Pinball Machine!

This “Pirate Gold” vintage pinball machine was manufactured in 1969 by Chicago Coins/Chicago Dynamic Industries.

We have had it since June of 2001 (an anniversary present, don’t ask what was my husband thinking! Perhaps we should have started therapy then).

It was purchased from a wonderful dealer in Hamden, CT, who told us the value this many years later. Without the crash of 9/2008 it would have increased in value by 15% but this model in this condition is selling for what we paid 8 1/2 years ago.

It is in perfect working condition and looks as good as the day it was delivered. It is one of those oldie and goodies in the pinball world in which it is very easy to get extra balls during your game.

If you are not a collector, I have found out what you need to know to separate the top from the bottom for transport.

Serious inquiries only please.

You’ll get our family score sheet with it but watch out because Grandma Joan really kicked ass: gin & tonic in one hand and the highest score and quite competitive about it all too!

We’ll play Pinball Wizard for you by The Who when you come to check it out.