admin 4/1/2022
Rare Slot Machine
Do you have an old slot machine? Do you want one? If you do, it might be worth the search, as some can be worth quite a bit of money. Slot machines built after 1930 are considered contemporary. Anything older is considered antique. The antique slot machines tend to have original parts, as replacement parts weren’t common. The newer machines from 1930 on, have more than likely been tinkered with and might have replacement parts. In the antique world, the more original parts and features, the better. Here are some tips to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are interested in investing in an antique machine, look for one in original condition. Something relatively untouched or in mint condition is rare, however, they do exist. Once a slot machine has been restored, the value of the machine decreases. If you find slot machine from the 1930s or 1940s for less than $3,000, the chances are good it has been restored.
Slots made before 1951 did not have lighted or plastic fronts, except for the Jennings Sun Chief models. They were metal and wood, not electronic. Most of the slot machines from the 1890's to 1940's were made by only a few manufacturers: Jennings, Mills, Pace, Watling, Caille and Superior. Rare and Unusual Slot Machines wanted by private collector Slot Machine Repair / Restoration (pre 1950 machines only) How to unjam a slot machine Videos of rare / unusual slot machines Serial Number Registry. Vintage and Rare / DEKANANA SLOT MACHINE - Year 2000 $500 pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Favorite this post Nov 26 Mills QT 1c slot machine. .Rare. IGT SAVP Slot Machine $4,000 (orc Anaheim) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Favorite this post Dec 7 LIKE NEW Lurch Addam's.
Now if money is no object, you may want to consider purchasing an 1899 Mills five-cent antique slot machine. This machine, in original, mint condition would sell for anywhere from $16,000 to $19,000. If money really isn’t an option, a Caille Brothers Peerless 5 Cent floor roulette slot realized $300,000 at auction.
Welcome to Antique Slots! We have been in the coin op collecting hobby for over 40 years! Come check out our collection of antique slot machines, pinball, trade stimulators, and arcade games!
If you are interested in something a little less pricey, there is the antique Owl Slot machine from the Mills Novelty Company that sells for roughly $15,750. This free-standing, fully functional slot machine has a carved solid oak frame, ball and claw feet, and gorgeous metal housings. These machines are highly sought after.
If you are looking to purchase a wood machine, make sure to inspect for damage. The first wooden machines appeared on the market around 1906. The prices are as high as $19,000. Gaming experts and slot machine collectors agree that these machines are worth collecting, as they will only gain in value as time passes.
There is a booming trade in antique slots. Motivated collectors are scouring this niche market looking for original machines, and anything that can be brought up to snuff. A restored slot machine can still fetch good money. There are highly skilled technicians that can restore your find.
The following are fine examples of antique slot machines
• Ten Cent Harrah’s Club Pace Four Reel (1950)
• Ten cent Mills Blue Bell (1948)
• Mills Diamond Front (1941)
• Five cent Mills Black Cherry (1947)
• Super Deluxe Club Chief Jennings (1946)
• Mills Bursting Cherry
• Five cent Watling Treasury (1933)
• 25 cent Watling Coin Front (1935)
• Mills Hi-Top
• Five cent Mills Roman Head (1938)
The price of an antique machine can be as high as $300,000 or as low as $1000. Whether you are looking to make an investment, find the holy grail, or a machine to match your decor, the market is strong, vibrant, and accessible.
Check out the history of slot machines in our article here.
GUEST:
It belonged to my great-aunt, and when we were kids visiting, we'd admire it. And she eventually gave it to my brothers and I. And with a little bartering on my part and their part, I ended up with it.
APPRAISER:
What have you discovered about it?
GUEST:
Well, I was at a store where they restored slot machines, and I looked it up and they had a Totem. No picture, just a... _ Totem. And it gave a value of perfect condition around $10,000.
APPRAISER:
Well, it is a very, very rare machine. When I saw this on the table, I was really quite taken aback. It is an early slot machine and it is the Totem. And it was made by one of the great makers of slot machines, the Watling Manufacturing Company. They made some of the best and most unusual slot machines. These date from around 1910 and then forward. After the slot machine business disappeared, they ended up making nothing but penny scales. And I remember over 40 years ago I bought an old penny scale and I called up the Watling Company to get a footplate and I spoke to the old man Watling himself. It's a great old company, and this is a rare survivor with its original glass. See, this is reverse-on-glass decals. If this were damaged, it would really radically affect the value. It also has the original payout paper. All of these are little details that really help in the value. There is one problem with the machine, and that is that it does have a replacement rear door, but that is a small problem when considering the rarity. It has all the working mechanisms. It's a really complex piece. And another thing that makes this a very rare machine... you know most are three reelers. This has a double arrow action. We put the nickel in here, and they can see that there's a real nickel and not a slug. That was part of the security measures.
GUEST:
Right.
APPRAISER:
And then you pull this knob down... and if you match up the fruit, you get some nickels back. Not bad, eh?
Rare Slot Machines
GUEST:
You have good luck.
Rare Slot Machine For Sale
APPRAISER:
So, now, your research suggested that if it were in perfect condition it would be worth about $10,000. Well, this is really not perfect condition, but for a machine of this rarity, it is in extraordinary condition. I've done a little research and I think a conservative auction value in today's market is in the $25,000 to $30,000 range.
GUEST:
Whoa. That's considerably more than I anticipated.
APPRAISER:
I think you're going to have a little more trouble with your brother.