Expert: Rodger Knutson - 1/27/2011

Question
Dear Mr. Knutson
I own a Jewel Bell HiTop 10cent slot machine.  I believe it's a 1947.  I have lost/misplaced the key to it and have found a lock and key on ebay.  The I.D.# is E29191.  I am wondering if this would fit my machine or not.  Also, maybe you know where I put the key.  (haha).  
If you have any other suggestions.  Please advise me.

Larry Smith

Answer
Hi Larry,

I not sure what lock your looking at on ebay as I don't have the item number but any standard original Mills type lock and key will fit your back door. They sell for 45.00 and up and I have an original Mills lock and key if you interested, just write me at jackpot7@q.com if you might want to buy one. There is about 6000 different key codes to this Mills Bell lock so finding just a key that would fit your lock would be a very big long shot. Oh, I DO know where you put your key, it's in the same place that I keep my things, it in the safe place where I won't lose it.... only I forgot just were that safe place was. There must be a pile of things there as I am always losing things, and not to long ago I lost the keys to my watling Slot machine, both the vendor key and the back door key which also has original locks on it. I did get a little lucky, as I was able to pick the back door open so I was able to get the key cut code off the lock shank, now I just need to find a key blank and someone who can cut it, so I'll probably end up buying another original lock and key for that slot down the road myself! See your not alone out there.

Thank You Larry

Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com