by Carl » Mon Jan 31, 2005 6:09 pm
I just added my vote to the poll saying I had 1 reproduction. That being said, one is how many I am sure of. As I understand it, all Golden Nuggets are reproductions, so that is the one I am sure about. I only have 3 other mechanical slots and a Bally Money Honey. Pretty sure the Columbia is all original. The Mills Mystery and the Watling Roll-A-Top may be remanufactured, but I am not knowlegeable enough to know. I also have a dozen or so other coin-ops, mostly trade stimulators. Not sure if I even qualify as a collector. Please no flaming arrows, but I also have 2 Pachinko and 2 Pachislo machines. These were bought mostly for the nieces and nephews to play with although I will set and play the Pachislo every once in awhile.
In my case, as a kid, there was a neghbor that had a slot machine in the basement. It was so cool I said that "when I grow up" I am going to get one. When in my 20s I tried to buy a machine, but now instead of being $100 to $200, they were $400 to $600, so I waited. In my 30s I decided I could spend $500 for a slot, but now thet were $1,000. Finally about 17 years ago I bought my first machine. Anyone quess that it was the Golden Nugget? After buying the machine then I decided to get some books. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Also, who can buy just ONE coin-op?
Well now I am close to 60 years old and have a tiny little collection of coin-ops. It has been fun and hopefully I can get my money back if I have to sell them. Personally I do not see anything wrong with remanufactured or even reproduction machines as long as they are always advertised in that way. Since this is not a perfect world, there are those that might hide the true origin of a machine.
If any of you true collectors are in the western suburbs of Chicago, maybe one of you would like to come over and tell me what I have. To summarize, I have old original, remanufactured old, and fairly modern pieces. They are all enjoyable. Hopefully I have not paid "original" prices for any remanufactured or repro machines. If I have, it is part of the learning curve.
Carl