NISHIJIN DX DIANA PACHINKO MACHINE PINBALL. Literally millions of pachinko machines were imported to the United States in the mid 1970's, and many were sold in retail outlets such as Sears, Kmart, and Woolworths. Believe it or not, the retail prices were usually in the $15.00 - $20.00 range. Several independent importers also brought in many units from abroad and sold them through both mail order and retail outlets. And of course, returning GI's often brought them home as interesting souvenirs.Pachinkos from the 1970's make up the vast majority of machines in the United States, in numbers easily approaching 95%. They come from a wide variety of manufacturers, with the bulk being Nishijin. Also plentyful are Sanyo, Sankyo, Daiichi, Ginza, and Heiwa to name a few. These machines will generally not have any premium attached to them since so many are available on the market. Certainly some collectors may have pay a small premium for specific manufactures they may prefer, but this is not a common occurrence, and not useful for determining a value.Pachinkos from the 1960's are far more difficult to locate. They come in two basic forms, these being the single shot and the single shot conversions. Many older single shot machines were retrofitted with a outer plastic feeder tray to allow autofeeding. The single shot conversions were only produced for a few years, and many collectors will place a premium on them. Although not nearly as plentiful as the 1970's machines, they still exist in fairly high quantities. The single shots are far more difficult to find, especially those made prior to 1962. Many collectors prize the early 1960's machines for the simplicity and elegant designs, and as such, they can command fairly high premiums.There are very few pachinko machines in the United States older than 1960. Most models known today are unique, and it is likely that hundreds of models by many dozens of manufacturers from this period are unknown in the United States. These machines can command high premiums, and are highly sought by collectors.The extrememly rare machines are those that were created prior to 1952 and the introduction of the Masamura gauge. One would find themselves fortunate indeed to have possession of such a rare and historic pachinko machine..............NISHIJIN PACHINKOs start in the range of $400 to $1400. PHOTO SIX SHOWS THE BAG OF ABOUT 20 METAL BALLS. You can pick up extra on ebay for a very small amount of money..............Pachinko machines could only be used in a Pachinko Parlor for 12 months. A sticker with an expiration date was attached to the playfield in one of the four corners outside of the area where the ball bounces off the pins. You may be able to determine the year of manufacture from the expiration date, however the sticker may have been removed or fallen off.