Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Bally slot 831-z

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Expert: - 1/26/2010


Question

Bally 831-z
I have a Ballys 831-z slot with 7's and fruit, 3 l ines, 1-3 coins, $.25.  I cannot find a picture that looks like the one I own and what it is worth.  It has been in a non-smoking home for 20+ years.  I can't get the door open or the handle to work, I think it's just jammed, otherwise in great condition.  Any info would be great.

Answer
The photo is a pinball glass, not a slot machine.

In any case, it is probably not worth much. The bottom fell out on Ballys about 10 years ago. 831 machines used to sell for $$1,500 +/- 10 %.

I see them at shows for under $500 now. If you sell it to a dealer you might get a couple of hundred dollars assuming the glass and case are in good shape.

David 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.). PLEASE, do not send questions about anything that is not coin-op related. I have no expertise in other items and cannot help you.

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

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