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.
Mills War Eagle RARE 50 Cent Antique Slot Machine-Watch The Video-authentic. $225.00 shipping. Mills Futurity Slot Machine 5cent. 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.
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.
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
Rare Bally Slot Machine
• 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.
The Slot Fan’s Guide to Olden Day One Arm Bandits
A quick search on eBay reveals some interesting results for antique slot machines. Few people would believe that archaic devices with minimal spinning reels and a handful of symbols could be worth a small fortune. Collectors know better. Slot machines from the 1930s and 1940s can fetch a pretty penny, depending on their condition, brand name, and rarity. For example, an Antique 1930s Mills War Eagle 5 cent Nickel Slot Machine can fetch as much as $2,595 on the market. These contraptions are typically a little worse for wear, and they may not have all their original working parts. In the United States, there are rules in place which regulate the sale of antique slot machines, and certain states may not qualify.
If you’re looking to spend a small fortune, you may be on the prowl for an antique 1899 Mills 5c Dewey slot machine. This device retails for $16,800, and it is in its mint, original condition. These devices were expertly crafted, full of intricately detailed artwork and mechanical parts. If the sticker price is a little steep, you may wish to consider the Mills Novelty Company Owl Slot Machine antique at a price of $15,750. These slot games are worlds apart from the video slots we see nowadays at land-based casinos and online casinos. These are fully functional freestanding machines with ball and claw feet, solid oak carved frames, and beautifully-furnished metal housing. It’s always important to check for damage, especially with the wood items.
Rare Antique Slot Machines
Specs of Antique Slot Machines
The Antique range of slot machines are extremely expensive, and can retail at $19,000+ apiece. The original machines were created around 1906, and have a devout following among slot machine collectors and gaming experts. Many slot fans choose to refurbish their antique slot machines, to keep them in pristine condition. The antique slot machines business is a roaring trade, with a niche market of highly motivated buyers and sellers. Only the most skilled technical experts in slot machine restoration professionals can work in this arena, since customers are highly specific and detail oriented when it comes to these high-priced antiques. The typical weight of an antique slot machine ranges from 75 pounds through 100 pounds. Their dimensions are typically 16” x 16” x 28” in height.
There are many examples of popular antique slots, including the following:
- 1941 Mills Diamond Front
- Mills Hi-Top
- Mills Bursting Cherry
- 1938 Mills Roman Head 5 Cent
- 1946 Jennings Super Deluxe Club Chief
- 1935 Watling Coin Front 25 Cent
- 1947 Mills Black Cherry 5 Cent
- 1933 Watling Treasury 5 Cent
- 1948 Mills Blue Bell 10 Cent
- 1950 Pace Four Reel Harrah’s Club 10 Cent
The price of an antique slot machine may range from a few dollars to as much as $50,000 +, depending on its condition, rarity and how much the buyer is willing to pay for it. Many antique collectors seek these devices as decorative pieces, or as investments for posterity. The most common brand is Mills, both with its Golden Nugget slot machine and its Orange Front QT slot machine variants.
Slot Game Variety Over the Years
Believe it or not, various slots enthusiasts consider any slot machine created after 1930 as a contemporary slot machine, and not an antique. These contemporary machines are largely comprised of replacement parts, and many of them have been fully restored and tested. The cost of these machines is less than those with a limited number of replacement parts. If you’re looking to buy an antique slot machine, it is best to select a machine that is relatively untouched, and in its original mint condition. Once restoration work has begun, the perceived value of the machine diminishes. If you find an e-commerce platform selling a 1930s/40s slot machine under $3,000, it is likely a contemporary machine with replacement parts.
The strict definition of an antique is a collectible object that has a high value because of its considerable age. In the United States, the Customs Service regards antiques as items that are at least 100 years old. With slot machine games, antiques are considered old-school slot games – typically the 3-reel classic slots. Nowadays, players can enjoy sophisticated HD slots with 5 spinning reels and hundreds of paylines. Video animation, 3D technology, and a virtual presence are worlds apart from the physical nature of antique slot machine games. Online slot games offer a modern-day perspective on this age-old pastime. You can still experience the classic slot titles online, except that now you have far more variety in every way.