You are here:

Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Questions Answered by Expert David Burritt

SubjectDate Asked
Buckley slot machine1/13/2012
  Q: I have an old Buckley slot machine and would like to know what kind of value it has.
  A: The machine is a Buckley Half Top. They are fairly common machines. You might want to go to ...
slot type machine12/9/2011
  Q: i have an old slot type machine that might have been a gumball or chewing gum machine it has slot ...
  A: It is probably not a slot machine but rather a trade stimulator. Common machines are Imps and also ...
1936 1 cent ball gum fortune slot machine6/23/2011
  Q: I have a slot machine that is metal. Say's 1 cent Ball Gum on top and is a slot machine. Depending ...
  A: The machine is not a slot machine but a trade stimulator. The difference between the two is that ...
Old Mills Slot machine6/15/2011
  Q: Mr Burritt, Can you identufy which model Mills Slot machine this is and it's approx. value. It's ...
  A: The machine is a Mills Poinsettia. They were made in the 1920 through the early 1930s. Mills made ...
found slot machine6/1/2011
  Q: I have recently come across what looks to be an old slot machine. It is currently broken in the ...
  A: The machine is a Bally E-2000 series slot machine. They were made in the early 80's If it is not ...
evans races4/14/2011
  Q: I bought a 1947 evans races in need of restorationton. Any idea of how many of this model are there ...
  A: Steve: Good luck on the restoration. FYI, I have access to an original Paces Races manual which has ...
evans races4/10/2011
  Q: I bought a 1947 evans races in need of restorationton. Any idea of how many of this model are there ...
  A: Steve: Those are really cool machines. Congratulations. I really don't know how many Evans Races ...
Antique slot machine4/4/2011
  Q: I have a 1929 Mills Poinsetta slot machine in working order I may want to sell. Could you tell me ...
  A: It is impossible to give a quote without a picture. I have done it in the past and been burned ...
1930's Mills Slot Machine3/27/2011
  Q: I bought a slot machine from Bob Levy a couple of years ago and we developed a business and personal ...
  A: Yes, it is a real shame that Bob passed away a few weeks ago. He will be missed. The mechanism ...
jennings sun chief3/2/2011
  Q: hi dave ihave been looking at a jennings sun chief with light up sides to buy but i have heard that ...
  A: I have also heard there are some repro castings of Jennings Sun Chief. However, I don't know anyone ...
Mills extraordinary console2/8/2011
  Q: what can you tell me about a Mills 25 cent extraordinary console with the sticker and stamp #115834. ...
  A: Internal mechanism parts on Mills machines from the 1930s through the 1950s are essentially ...
MILL'S BLACK CHERRY SLOT12/29/2010
  Q: I AM WISHING TO REPAIR MY GRAND FATHERS 5 CENT MILL'S BLACK CHERRY SLOT MACHINE. I HAVE NO RESPONSE ...
  A: I sell a DVD which discusses how to fix the most common jams on antique slot machines. There used ...
American Mutoscope And Biograph Reel9/30/2010
  Q: Could you give me info on this reel? Subject no. 3016, serial no. 21. Patented Nov.5, 1895 and Jan ...
  A: I am mainly a slot collector so I don't know a lot. I do know that tons of these were made for at ...
Function of Jackpot for Revamp Mills9/16/2010
  Q: David, I've been told that I have a 'Revamped' Mills 5 cent Slot machine which had a separate ...
  A: Mike: I think you emailed me at my personal website. I read it while I was out of town but didn't ...
11933 1cent busting cherry mills slot machine7/22/2010
  Q: In June 2010 I found this machine in a chicken coup where it has sat for 40/50 years. the mech is in ...
  A: Rich: Sorry for the delay in responding, I was out on vacation. It sounds like the machine needs a ...
Watling Slot Machine6/1/2010
  Q: I have a 1937 Rol A Top Bird of Paradise machine in great shape. I am missing the two mint columns ...
  A: Wow, you have a cool machine and what that is not seen that often. Unfortunately, Rol-A-Top parts ...
Pointsettia Mills 25 cent slot machine5/26/2010
  Q: I have a Pointsettia Mills 25 cent slot machine. Would you be able to tell me what year this is ...
  A: Mills made Poinsettia slot machines starting in the early 1920's through the late 1920's Mills made ...
ballys 1090 el racho slot machine5/16/2010
  Q: 090-344 nickel slot machine that I received as a present. I don't know how to research the value of ...
  A: Brad: The Bally 1090 is a fairly common machine. They made a ton of them. Most slot machine ...
Antique Mills Slot Serial Number4/12/2010
  Q: I hope you can help me. I have a Mills slot machine. The original owner told me that Bill Harrah ...
  A: That machine is a Mills Hightop. My serial numberbook dates it at 1947. It is a fairly common ...
Watling Gold Award Slot problem3/25/2010
  Q: As mentioned above in the subject, I have a problem. I have dropped the nickel down the coin slot, ...
  A: Gary: The problem is probably in the escalator which is the thing that accepts the coins. 90% of ...
Antique slot machines3/23/2010
  Q: I have a Bally Royal Draw, (2) Jumbo Parade 5 cent machines and a 25 cent Jumbo Parade machine. I ...
  A: The Royal Draw is an oddball machine which you don't see that often. Even though it is oddball I ...
bell o matic slot #617461 10 cent machine3/7/2010
  Q: We have just acquired an old bell o matic , 10 cent slot machine and we' like to know if you know ...
  A: Value depends a lot on condition. Without knowing more there is no way I can give you an idea. Try ...
Pace slot machine2/17/2010
  Q: My father has a 1922 Fancy Front Pace nickel machine. On the top right hand corner, where the coin ...
  A: The Pace Fancy Front was made in the mid 1930s. They are nice machines but not all that rare. To do ...
Mills BONUS Hi Top2/16/2010
  Q: I have recently purchased one of the above in what seems to be very good original condition. It has ...
  A: Check the spring on the horizontal lever on the escalator which hold the pin which goes against the ...
Mills BONUS Hi Top2/15/2010
  Q: I have recently purchased one of the above in what seems to be very good original condition. It has ...
  A: Steve: Every week a "rare" Golden Nugget" shows up on eBay :-). In the past collectors have ...
Mills BONUS Hi Top2/15/2010
  Q: I have recently purchased one of the above in what seems to be very good original condition. It has ...
  A: Steve: Sorry to hear that you got burned with a reproduction Golden Nugget. You are one of probably ...
Bally slot 831-z1/26/2010
  Q: I have a Ballys 831-z slot with 7's and fruit, 3 l ines, 1-3 coins, $.25. I cannot find a picture ...
  A: The photo is a pinball glass, not a slot machine. In any case, it is probably not worth much. The ...
1946's mills nickel slot1/24/2010
  Q: I just got a mills nickel slot thats about 5ft tall, looks art deco with a blue eagle on it right ...
  A: You have a Mills Extraordinary console. The Extraordinary was introduced in the mid 1930's (I ...
jackpot on my mills bursting cherry1/18/2010
  Q: .I have recently acquired a Mills Bursting Cherry....all the payouts are working OK including the ...
  A: Once the main payout coin tube gets full then the coins should divert to the jackpot as the machine ...
slot machinea mills war bird1/1/2010
  Q: I have an old 25C slot machine with no name on the front but the jackpot bars say Bell Fruit ...
  A: Assuming you mean it is a War Eagle and also assuming it is complete and not a reproduction then you ...
jennings challenger twin play 25/512/28/2009
  Q: I have one of these and want to know if the payout can be increased or adjusted. Using it for family ...
  A: Bill: The Challenger has a mechanical style mechanism in it and it is not trivial to make it ...
1930 Mills Slot Machine12/4/2009
  Q: Sir: Before I move forward to possibly sell my antique slot machine I would like to gather some ...
  A: Mark: It sounds like you have a Mills Two Column Jackpot Front vendor. These are relatively common ...
Groetchen slot machine11/24/2009
  Q: problem is the slot arm that activates the machine is not engaging the mech. It just flops back and ...
  A: Keith: It is probably something with the escalator (the hardware that accepts the coin). Try going ...
bally slot machine 5-18-196711/22/2009
  Q: do you know how much my Bally slot machine from 1967 might be. It is in working condition. 742a-240
  A: A lot depends on condition, type of reel strips (fruit or non fruit), and coin denomination. If it ...
Slot Machine11/11/2009
  Q: hoping you can help with our slot machine. It says Palace Pace on the front glass. Space Mfg ...
  A: Sheri: Sorry for the delay. I have been out of town. I don't really know much about your machine. ...
slot machine10/9/2009
  Q: I've got a casino jewel slot machine here and I know nothing about it. It's in an all-wooden case ...
  A: Sorry for the delay (I was out of town). Your machine is a german machine (which you already knew ...
slot machines10/3/2009
  Q: i have a couple of questions for you, we have two slot machines, the first one os a castle front, ...
  A: The Castle Front was a very popular machine that Mills made. It is not rare and you see a lot of ...
Antique Slot Machines9/29/2009
  Q: David; Bought a Mills Roman Head slot machine and absolutely love it. With winter coming up, would ...
  A: John: I would recommend a Mills machine (vs Watling/Pace/Jennings). Mills slots from the 1930's ...
mills 5 cent9/27/2009
  Q: I have a red mills golden nugget 5 cent machine. Purchased about 15 years ago locally. Have had it ...
  A: Sorry, but original Golden Nuggets had formica sides. Regarding the label on the side. Those can be ...
Valuation9/17/2009
  Q: I have a mills poinsettia slot machine with yellow flowers and 3 hold buttons on a blue casing, also ...
  A: Tony: That number is the serial number. I see you are in the UK. I have no idea what the value of ...
Slot machine9/13/2009
  Q: I have a Ballys Grand slot machine that works and is in fairly good shape. I was wondering the vaule ...
  A: That machine was made in the early 80's (I think). It does not have much value to collectors ...
bally slot machine9/9/2009
  Q: I have a bally slot machine but know nothing about it like worth or where it came from. the only ...
  A: I am not really an expert on Bally. I deal with much earlier machines. I think your machine was ...
Slot Machine7/25/2009
  Q: My husband has an old slot machine that he knows that his father used to play. It has Mills Novelty ...
  A: I am sure the machine has wood sides. The front castings are probably aluminum. You can email the ...
Slot Machine7/25/2009
  Q: My husband has an old slot machine that he knows that his father used to play. It has Mills Novelty ...
  A: From the description, it sounds like it is a late model high top. Probably made in the late 1950s. ...
triplebell bally7/23/2009
  Q: can you give me info on this machine like where I can get parts or manuals
  A: Hmmm, good question. Not a lot of people collect or deal with those consoles. I don't know anyone ...
1942 "Golden Nugget" nickle slot machine7/15/2009
  Q: We received a 1942 Golden Nugget slot machine. It takes nickels, is black with the naked golden ...
  A: Linda: Unfortunately, if it is a reproduction it has zero value as an antique and a slot collector ...
Jennings Sun Chief Slot Machine7/15/2009
  Q: I am trying to place a value on a Jennings Sun Chief Slot Machine. From the pictures on another ...
  A: Debbie: If the machine is broken you will be limited to who you can sell it to. Probably the only ...
Jennings Sun Chief Slot Machine7/14/2009
  Q: I am trying to place a value on a Jennings Sun Chief Slot Machine. From the pictures on another ...
  A: Debbie: It depends on why it is not working. If it has broken or missing parts then that is a big ...
mills slot6/21/2009
  Q: By reading the other Q@A I have been able to tell that the Golden Nugget slot that I have is really ...
  A: Yes, it does have value since it is not a total fake. The only fake parts are the reel strips, award ...
Jenning The Challenger Slot Machine5/26/2009
  Q: I have a Jennings The Challenger Slot Machine old penny. Can you tell me roughly how much this is ...
  A: Vanessa: Jennings Challenger machines should take two coins. Most are nickel on one side and ...
value of a slot machine5/25/2009
  Q: would like to know the value of a penny sega diamond star with midas features and mystery payouts ...
  A: Sega machines were made in Japan and most were made in the mid 1950s to mid 1960s. They are not in ...
Value of slot machine5/21/2009
  Q: What is the value of a Watling (patent #1763841) 10 cent gold seal twin jackpot slot machine?
  A: Without knowing the condition it is impossible to say. I would recommend going to ...
console slot4/8/2009
  Q: Dave, What would a good asking price be for a 1960 Acme Roulette console roulette machine?
  A: The Acme Roulette is a very cool machine. Only 100 were made. I actually owned one of these but ...
Evans Rolletto Jr.4/6/2009
  Q: I have a few Evans spinner consoles. One is an Evans Rolletto Jr. from 1938 and the other is an ...
  A: Larry: I will send a note to the guy who asked the question about the Royal Draw to see if he can ...
Mills slot machine 19302/24/2009
  Q: I have the opportunity to buy a Mills slot machine from 1930. According to the advertisement it is ...
  A: I don't know what that machine is worth over in Europe. In the US foreign machines typically sell ...
Genuine Mills Michine12/24/2008
  Q: My father won a Genuine Mill Machine in a Casino. It is an old style machine. At the time they ...
  A: Well, that is difficult to say. Kind of like asking how much an old baseball card is worth. If the ...
Ray's Track Bally 194912/7/2008
  Q: We have a Ray's Track Bally 1949. I am trying to find out about how much we could sell it for. And ...
  A: Hmm, that machine is similar to a Paces Races. I really don't know how much a Ray's Track is worth. ...
slot machine12/5/2008
  Q: I have a 25˘ slot machine that works great! I had an aluminum tray made to catch the coins as the ...
  A: Your machine is a Jennings Dutch Boy with a jackpot. It was made in the mid 1920's If you want to ...
Mills 10 cent FOK mint vendor11/20/2008
  Q: I need to clean years of grime and dust off of this machine in order to be able to read the serial ...
  A: Ed: Why do you need the serial number? That machine has not been reproduced. Is it for insurance ...
mills black cherry slot machine...10/31/2008
  Q: I bought an estate that had a 1945 or so MILLS QUARTER BLACK CHERRY SLOT MACHINE...What is the best ...
  A: Eric: Original Mills locks show up on eBay periodically for less than $50. Mills locks are pretty ...
Mills slot key10/17/2008
  Q: I broke the key on my mills slot, I have the two key pieces and the lock is fine. Are the old keys ...
  A: It would cost more to find a key, rip the lock apart and key it to the new key and then put it back ...
antique slot machine10/13/2008
  Q: I have a slot machine I was hoping you could give me info on. It is a floor model, maybe 3 1/2 to 4 ...
  A: These console machines were made in the mid 1940's through the 1950's. Bally and Keeney were the ...
Antique Slot Machine8/25/2008
  Q: My husband just received his Dad's old slot machine. We don't see any name on it. But, we did get ...
  A: If it is a Mills machine, then the serial number tells me it is probably a Mills Gooseneck Silent ...
Mills Golden Nugget Slot Machine7/24/2008
  Q: I have a 1936 Mills hightop golden nugget slot machine with stand.I would like to know it's value.I ...
  A: There is no such thing as a 1936 Mills Golden Nugget. All of the Golden Nuggets were made after ...
5 cent Golden nugget slot machine6/11/2008
  Q: I have an original condition Golden Nugget 5 cent Slot machint. Although the pull handle shows sigh ...
  A: All the originals have Formica sides. All the fakes and revamps have oak for the side. From looking ...
5 cent Golden nugget slot machine6/11/2008
  Q: I have an original condition Golden Nugget 5 cent Slot machint. Although the pull handle shows sigh ...
  A: Ed: There are two kinds of Golden Nuggets. Mills and Jennings. The vast majority of the fakes are ...
5 cent Golden nugget slot machine6/11/2008
  Q: I have an original condition Golden Nugget 5 cent Slot machint. Although the pull handle shows sigh ...
  A: If, and I must emphasize IF, you do have an ORIGINAL Mills Golden Nugget and not a revamp or ...
10 cent slot machine6/6/2008
  Q: I purchased a 10 cent (one coin at a time) Mills slot machine. I can not find out any information ...
  A: it sounds like you have some kind of variation of a Mills Castke Front. Probably one that was ...
slot machine4/15/2008
  Q: I have a Blue Steel Watling 10 cent slot machine. The glass is showing its age but other then that ...
  A: Without a picture or knowing what model of Blue Seal (there are several) I really cannot say. I ...
Jennings slot machine4/4/2008
  Q: Your answer to Joe who asked about the value of his Golden Nugget slot machine really opened my ...
  A: Richard: The vast majority of the fake Golden Nuggets are Mills and not Jennings. I did a search ...
Mills Bell O-Matic Reel Operations4/1/2008
  Q: the three reel´s will not free spin upon play. all three reel´s will move together two symbols down. ...
  A: It sounds like the payout discs are not aligned with the reels. There are two nuts which connect ...
Mills/Jennings GOLF VENDING MACHINES2/23/2008
  Q: I have been looking 4 ever for a golf ball vending machine either mills or jennings any advise where ...
  A: There is one for sale (at auction) in Vegas next week (March 8th, 2008). Go to ...
25 cent old slot machine from Golden Nuget2/1/2008
  Q: Works fine could you tell me about what it is worth Thanks Joe ANSWER: Joe: I am sorry to tell you ...
  A: Joe: There are several tell tale signs. The easiest one is to look at the wood sides. If they are ...
25 cent old slot machine from Golden Nuget2/1/2008
  Q: Works fine could you tell me about what it is worth Thanks Joe
  A: Joe: I am sorry to tell you that 99% of the "Golden Nugget" slot machines out there are either ...
Bally slot machine1/13/2008
  Q: A friend gave us this machine many years ago and finally it's stopped working - and gathering dust ...
  A: Shirley: Those are neat machines when they are in good shape and working properly. Unfortunately, ...
1940 groetchen sparks trade stimulator?1/6/2008
  Q: I recently acquired this machine from my fiance's grandfathers house. It looks identical to the 1940 ...
  A: I am mainly a slot machine collector and don't really know anything about trade stimulators. I ...
Penny Pack Cigarette Trade Stimulator1/2/2008
  Q: I have a cigarette trade stimulator someone said made by Duval?? It is red and black and have packs ...
  A: Pricing is very subjective. I don't collect these type of machines (I mainly collect machines that ...
Jennings Slot11/6/2007
  Q: I recently acquired a Jennings nickel slot made in 30's or 40's. It operated perfectly until 2 ...
  A: It sounds like a simple jam. Unfortunately, I am in Colorado. I would suggest posting a message at ...
Mills slots10/31/2007
  Q: I am trying to get some info on two machines, a nickel castle front and a dime cherry front mills ...
  A: Your Castle Front machine was made in the early 1930's. I would need a picture of the Cherry Front ...
Mills Slot Machine9/7/2007
  Q: I have just purchased a 1939 Mills slot machine. Everything seems to work except it does not payout ...
  A: The "Owners Pictorial Guide for the Care and Understanding of the Mills Bell Slot Machine" is a ...
Mills Slot Machine9/6/2007
  Q: I have just purchased a 1939 Mills slot machine. Everything seems to work except it does not payout ...
  A: John: Did you buy it from a dealer or a collector? If so, then take it back and have them fix it. ...
Mills Slot Machine8/30/2007
  Q: I have a slot machine from the Mill Novelty Company. I'm not sure of a year or model name, but it ...
  A: Unfortunately, I need more information. All Mills slot machines that were made between 1910 and 1960 ...
Slot Machine ID8/9/2007
  Q: I bought a slot machine that I need help to ID it. I want to try to restore it, but it does not have ...
  A: Dan: I think Space Mfg. made machines for a very short time in the mid 60s. I am mainly a ...

All Questions in This Category

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


David Burritt

Top Expert on this page

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.