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
Bought a Mills Roman Head slot machine and absolutely love it. With winter coming up, would love to try and restore a slot from the 1920's to 1940's. Is there a certain slot that you would recommend for a first time restorer? Are there any good books or dvd's on how to do this? Finally, where is the best place to purchase a slot and parts for restoration.
Thanks!
John
Answer John:
I would recommend a Mills machine (vs Watling/Pace/Jennings).
Mills slots from the 1930's thru the 1950's are virtually identical when it comes to the mechanism.
Since you already have a Roman Head you can use it to help you put the other one back together.
There is a book called the Owner's Pictorial Guide to the Mills Slot Machine. Unfortunately, it has been out of print for years but I see it show up occasionally on eBay.
There is also a 5 DVD set which documents the complete restoration of a Mills Castle Front. I actually did this little project about 15 years ago. It was originally published on a single 8 hour VHS tape. The tapes sold out very quickly and I never made any more. Last year when I was clearing out my office I came across the original master tapes. Just for grins I decided to digitally remaster the tapes and produce them on DVD. It documents everything from tear down to how to clean the parts to how to refinish the cabinet to how to paint the castings to how to put everything back together and lubricate the parts properly.
I am now selling them on my web site and the demand has been very strong. They are almost always sold out. They are currently sold out but I should be getting more in shortly. FYI, there are only two sets left which have not been reserved. I have another bunch of sets on order and they should be in by late October or early November.
Regarding the best place to find a machine that needs to be restored I would recommend going to the ChicagoLand show in November. There are usually lots of basket cases as well as nice originals and also restored machines. I would recommend getting one that is complete as parts can get very expensive.
You can also find machines that need to be restored on eBay but you need to be careful as there is a lot of real crap that shows up on eBay and it is not represented correctly.
