Expert: Rodger Knutson - 2/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Rodger,

I have had this nickel slot machine for a few years now....i bought it at an estate sale for 50 dollars and only changed the wiring for the electrical cord to the wall and it worked. Its reels run sideways and the payout nickel tray is way down close to the floor in a tray that hinges on one side and opens out. I know nothing about this machine and have found nothing about it either....I guess I am wondering if it is worth anything and what the history is of the machine....


Thanks

Tim

ANSWER: Hi Tim,

Looks like maybe I am going to need a model number and a photo if possible. If you can email one, please email photo's to me at Jackpot7@q.com

You should be able to find the model number on a metal tag located on the handle side of the cabinet, outside, and on the bottom just below the handle. If the tag is missing, maybe somewhere inside.

My guess is that, "this is a Bally made for export only" machine, Bally made these types of export only machines, but for export only so we do not see some models here in the U.S.A., and I am thinking that yours might be one of these. I could search more areas with the machines Model Number, that is important for me, on how I search some of my records. I can fine these U.S.A. Model Ballys; "BIG APPLE", "BIG SHOT", "BIG TIME", "BIG WIN", but no "BIG TOP" in the U.S.A. models. So that is why I am guessing that it is a made for export machine. Could you see if you can find a model number on it or in it, any numbers in 3 digits or 4 digits, and it could start with a "E" like E-1212 or like model 942, any three or 4 digit numbers scratched or written or stamped on it anywhere could be the model number, if yous doesn't have the original model/serial number tag still on the machine.

Thank You
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the followup....I will try to get a picture to you and probably more than one....I have searched for a model number but all the parts are very old and it is in a wood cabinet with no metal tags anywhere. I probably did not explain it good enough. The top is flat with the three reels spinning from top to bottom sideways than normal. The top can be lifted to show the inside of the machine...ie reels and motors. The machine has no arm to start the reel motion. the reels start when a nickel is dropped into the slot on the lower left hand corner. It has two cigarette holders on each side of the wooden cabinet by where the coins are dropped into the machine. It starts with only one coin dropping. It looks to be very old. The glass top shows a big top circus and the reels are of animals...monkeys, bears, goats, and such. I guess what I am trying to say is that it is not a normal coin operated slot machine. It is totally encased in wood except for the back and the top lifts up to reveal the insides....I will send pictures....

Tim

ANSWER: Hi Tim,

This machine of yours is starting to sound to me like it's one of the console machines made in the 1940's. They made many different model but all mostly big, heavy, all electro/mechanical in nature, Cloth insulated wiring, stacks of leaf switches inside, silk screened glass, lots of wood, some really fun to play. I have posted just a photo of one of ballys consoles made around 1941 so you can see if we are getting closer to what you have. One thing that confuses me, is that you say all you do if drop in a coin and it spins. I know of only one or two machines that do this and they are newer. I guess yours also could of been modified to do this. I have also seen these circus animals used on Bally and Keeney consoles, not common but used just the same on the reel strips and payout award glass. Anyway, looking forward to seeing your photos when you can get some. Please remember to leave feedback for me here, that my only pay for being here. And remember we have to know what you have before I can try to find out just what it is.

Thank You
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rodger,

This is definately on the right track....It looks very similar to the picture you sent. I did send some pictures via email to help with the identifying of it....But what you describe as being a very heavy machine is correct. it does have the silk screen images on the glass, so I think we are right on the money with this console type. The console itself does not show any alterations that would have an arm though and that is the nature of the coin dropping starting the reels. Thanks for your time on this.....and any information and pricing would help me out immensely....


Tim

Answer
Hi Tim,

Well this has been very interesting to me. It looked like so many machines that I know about but different. I know that Bally used this Circus theme on several different models besides this one, however the circus theme with animals on the reel strips and award glass are not all that common and you don't see that very often, but you do now and again. Your machine looked so close to the Mills Jumbo Parade to me. Also your lower cabinet with the hidden payout door is almost a perfect match to Ballys High Hand slot machine. I kept looking but information on these console machines is out there, but not on every make and model. Then I found my answer, the one I was looking for. The sole machine producer that went head to head against Mills was the growing Bally Manufacturing Company on Chicago's near west side, making both single plays and the larger multiple head machines, Bally literally matched Mills machine for machine during this time, coming out with "BIG TOP" at the end of 1940 and "Sun Ray" late in 1941 as counterparts to the Mills Jumbo Parade, coming off the Mills "Four Bells" and "Three Bells" with the Bally "Club Bells" at the end of 1941. So Tim, here is the place your machine fits into history. Unfortunately these club consoles do not do well in value compared to other machines. The Jumbo Parade you can find for sale in the 500.00 to 800.00 range. I would put value on yours at around $400.00 to $600.00 in todays marked but as antiques go, value is what the seller is willing to sell it for, and what the buyer is willing to pay for it. I hope you enjoy this little bit of history information on the BIG TOP, I do, and thanks for sending the photos, as this help me a lot in digging for information on this one.

Thank You
Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com