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 I have a mills poinsettia slot machine with yellow flowers and 3 hold buttons on a blue casing, also the bell has 1776 on it. The machine is in good working order and in good condition and all original. There is a number on front righthand side 873500. I am interested in the value thank you. Tony.
Answer Tony:
That number is the serial number. I see you are in the UK. I have no idea what the value of machines are in the UK.
Plus, I really don't like to give estimates because so much depends on condition.
I suggest you go to www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com and take a look there.
There should be lots of examples of what these have sold for in the recent past. You can compare the photos to yours to find some that should match closely.
Dave
Follow-Up:
Tony:
Sorry you feel that prices should be the same regardless of country. It amazes me that you think all machines are worth the same regardless of where they are located. Here in the US a machine can be worth hundreds of dollars (perhaps thousands) based on what part of the country it is in. You think they are all the same regardless of where in the WORLD they are???????
In addition, you did not supply vital information like coin denomination of your machine, condition of wood, condition of decals, how is the plating? Is the back door original, is the lock original, is the cash box original, do you have the original cash box locking plate, if so do you have they key to it, is the key original.
How is the patina on the castings? How is the paint? What about reel strips, are they paper or tin? Are the reel strips faded or torn? All of these affect condition. What you describe as good condition means nothing.
You did not even supply a picture. I referred you to a web site which has lots of information on sales including pictures.
You said the machine is in good condition. That tells me nothing. I have been told that by others and when I get a picture the machine has been repainted or is missing major parts. Almost everyone who has an old slot machine thinks it is in 'good' condition if it accepts coins and the reels spin.
