AboutDavid Burritt Expertise My expertise is in the area of antique slot machines. Specifically pre 1940 era machines. I have an extensive price history list of slot machines that have been sold on eBay and other auction houses (e.g., Victoria Casino Auctions, Rich Penn Auctions, etc.).
Experience 1. I run a discussion forum on coin operated devices (http://www.coinopcollectorforum.com)
2. I maintain a web site which tracks price trends for antique slot machines (www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com)
3. I published an 8 hour video tape on how to properly restore a Mills slot machine back in the 1990s
4. I published a book (Coin Op On CD) which was distibuted on a CD. This CD had many articles and thousands of photos of antique coin operated devices. It also had many videos of rare and unusual coin operated devices.
This CD has since been published on the web (http://www.ibuyoldslots.com/COCD/)
5. I have written articles on how to identify fake/reproduction slot machines.
Organizations C.O.C.A. (Coin Op Collectors Association)
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Computer Science from University of Southern California
Question hi david, i have a couple of questions for you, we have two slot machines, the first one os a castle front, mills novelty co. slot macvhine in perfect working order it has, 13a on the side of the wooden body, 388596 on the top edge and on a paper sticker inside the box ans 7 mlb3434 inside the face of the machine, was wondering if you knew the value and where the machine was used? the second machine is a columbia gold award, with groetchen mfg.co chicago usa inside on the machine its self and No a-200 c 799, seems to jam up a fair bit but does work, again just like to find out value and where it may of been first located. thank you very much and look forward to hearing back from you. the machines are not for sale been in the family a long time cheers bruce
Answer The Castle Front was a very popular machine that Mills made. It is not rare and you see a lot of them at shows. They typically retail for $1,800 - $2,500. That is the price a dealer would get for one that is restored or in excellent condition and would provide a warranty. If you sell it to a dealer expect to get half (or less) than that. Coin denomination is also important. Quarter machines typically bring several hundred more than a dime machine. Since Castle Fronts were so popular they were found every where. In clubs, cigar stores, bars, you name it.
The Columbia machines are also common machines but not as common as the Castle Front. However, they are worth a lot less than the Castle Fronts. Columbias are made with pot metal and most collectors don't like them. I would guess they would retail in the $1,200 - $1,500 range and if you try to sell to a dealer you would be lucky to get $500.
If you want to research this further, try going to www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com
