Do you have an old slot machine? Do you want one? If you do, it might be worth the search, as some can be worth quite a bit of money. Slot machines built after 1930 are considered contemporary. Anything older is considered antique. The antique slot machines tend to have original parts, as replacement parts weren’t common. The newer machines from 1930 on, have more than likely been tinkered with and might have replacement parts. In the antique world, the more original parts and features, the better. Here are some tips to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are interested in investing in an antique machine, look for one in original condition. Something relatively untouched or in mint condition is rare, however, they do exist. Once a slot machine has been restored, the value of the machine decreases. If you find slot machine from the 1930s or 1940s for less than $3,000, the chances are good it has been restored.
Gorgeous floor model slot machine, manufactured by the Caille Bros. From 1904 to 1905. The cabinet is oak with a dark finish, perfectly matching the ornate castings such as the claw legs and relief of a cherub touching lips with a person.
Now if money is no object, you may want to consider purchasing an 1899 Mills five-cent antique slot machine. This machine, in original, mint condition would sell for anywhere from $16,000 to $19,000. If money really isn’t an option, a Caille Brothers Peerless 5 Cent floor roulette slot realized $300,000 at auction.
If you are interested in something a little less pricey, there is the antique Owl Slot machine from the Mills Novelty Company that sells for roughly $15,750. This free-standing, fully functional slot machine has a carved solid oak frame, ball and claw feet, and gorgeous metal housings. These machines are highly sought after.
If you are looking to purchase a wood machine, make sure to inspect for damage. The first wooden machines appeared on the market around 1906. The prices are as high as $19,000. Gaming experts and slot machine collectors agree that these machines are worth collecting, as they will only gain in value as time passes.
There is a booming trade in antique slots. Motivated collectors are scouring this niche market looking for original machines, and anything that can be brought up to snuff. A restored slot machine can still fetch good money. There are highly skilled technicians that can restore your find.
The following are fine examples of antique slot machines
• Ten Cent Harrah’s Club Pace Four Reel (1950)
• Ten cent Mills Blue Bell (1948)
• Mills Diamond Front (1941)
• Five cent Mills Black Cherry (1947)
• Super Deluxe Club Chief Jennings (1946)
• Mills Bursting Cherry
• Five cent Watling Treasury (1933)
• 25 cent Watling Coin Front (1935)
• Mills Hi-Top
• Five cent Mills Roman Head (1938)
The price of an antique machine can be as high as $300,000 or as low as $1000. Whether you are looking to make an investment, find the holy grail, or a machine to match your decor, the market is strong, vibrant, and accessible.
Check out the history of slot machines in our article here.
Morphy’s Vegas Coin-Op And Advertising Sale Will Be May 14 And 15
It's all fun and games when it comes to this auction's incredible selection of antique arcade machines. Lot #1044, an Automatic Target Machine Company 'Autarm' pistol arcade game, is no longshot to meet its $100,000-$200,000 estimate. There are only three known examples of this arcade machine, manufactured in 1900 by Splitdorf Laboratory. And many collectors will be aiming for Lot #262, a two player Mermaid Gun Game in excellent condition. This machine, estimated at $150,000-$250,000, returns the coin to the first player who knocks down all of his opponent's riflemen. It's no fish tale to say that this example is one of only a handful in existence.
Collectors will also want to drop a dime on this sale's amazing offering of antique gambling machines. Both larger upright and smaller countertop examples are on offer.
Two upright models truly hit the ground running. The first is Lot #235, 5-cent Caille Twin Centaur upright double slot machine, in excellent condition. This rarity from 1908 will no doubt turn a few heads with its $90,000-$120,000 estimate. It features a superb quarter sawn oak case with Watts nickel castings, as well as its original back doors, cash boxes, and Yale locks.
The second is Lot #118, a 5-cent Caille Big Six upright floor wheel slot machine, which stands by its $15,000-$20,000 estimate. This big beauty, which offers the possibility of a five coin return on a one coin investment, retains its original finish and operator's decal.
Now it's time to pull up a chair and check out this sale's fabulous range of countertop gaming machines. Lot #2, a 5-cent Caille Tourist cast iron slot machine is the reel deal and is estimated at $25,000-$45,000. This first-class example is in remarkable, untouched, all-original finish condition. Lot #10, a 5-cent Mills Liberty Bell slot machine, should ring loud and clear with collectors. This example from 1907 has the seldom seen Hassman coin head, as well as all original castings, card symbols on the reels, and marquee paper. It is estimated at $10,000-$15,000. Lot #900, a 5¢ Fey duo counter two wheel machine from 1927, is worth a double-take. It features the Fey logo and Indian insignia on its lower front casting and is estimated at $15,000-$25,000. Lot #802, an extremely rare 1910 Mills Little Scarab counter roulette machine decorated with jitterbugging insects, grooves to a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. And the eagle soars with Lot #805, a 1911 5¢ Fey Big Six payout machine, estimated at $35,000-$65,000. This example, in all original finish, is the only Charles Fey Big Six with a side vendor known to exist.
Enthusiasts in the market to add fantastic vintage vending machines to their collections need look no farther than this highly anticipated sale. With almost 50 examples available - including those that dole out food, beverages, chewing gum, and even postcards, among other items - there is truly something for every customer. Lot #466, an 1893 zinc Bamboola European chocolate cigar vending machine, is twice the temptation with its $20,000-$30,000 estimate. This remarkable example is in original, unrestored condition and retains its great original patina.
Morphy's May Premier Coin-Op and Advertising Sale will also share a bit of 'lady luck' with the local Las Vegas nonprofit community. All proceeds raised from the sale of four working, collectible pinball machines will go directly to the Las Vegas based Pinball Hall of Fame and the various charities - including the Salvation Army - it supports. The machines on offer include fine examples of Pennant Fever, Twilight Zone, Joker Poker, and Travel Time. The Pinball Hall of Fame features 1,000 working pinball machines and is a family-friendly, hands-on museum dedicated to celebrating the fun, history, and nostalgia associated with this popular arcade game. Morphy's is proud to partner with the Pinball Hall of Fame on this project.
'Our coin-op team went above and beyond to secure a major all-time collection of gambling and penny arcade machines. Collectors unquestionably will find some of the rarest machines ever offered at auction at this upcoming sale. It would be worth a trip from anywhere to Las Vegas to see these spectacular examples - and this live event - in person. Our January 2016 Las Vegas coin-op sale was certainly one of the most exciting in memory, but this one has all the makings for the record books as well, said Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions.
Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas is located at 4520 Arville Street, Las Vegas, Nev.