CoinOpCollectorForum.com

Greetings:

I'm new here and appreciate the boards help in advance.

Background: I've owned for years - which I recently sold - a modern slot machine that was similar to ones you see in todays casinos, but now, I am fascinated, and in the market for an antique slot machine.

I'm looking for something flashy in color - needs to have red in the mix, original and priced reasonably.

I have done my homework, but I've come to realize unless you have physically owned and been around antique slots, you may have a hard time figuring them out. So if you have any for sale at a reasonable price, I'm interested.

In the meantime, as I look locally, I have found a Mills, Lions Head Slot machine for 1500 and I want some opinions from board members.

The owner claims its all original - how would I tell otherwise on this specific model? What is it worth? What are some things I should look for? What are our suggestions?

WTB:
First of all, welcome to our Forum.

Beginning in the late 1970's, the "Lion Head" was the at the top of the list, of the most Reproduced slots
on the market. Mostly in quarter play, but nickel as well. Being a beginner, I would highly suggest staying
away from this model. It is really hard to tell, without seeing it in person, and would need to see many
more detail pics. First of all, what is the serial number stamped in the upper casting, which should also
match the factory sticker inside the case? If no serial, it is definitely a repro. Many sellers know exactly
what they have, and will flat-out lie, saying it is original. There are also some that many not know, if they
got snookered when they bought it. What I have always said to new collectors, is if you don't know exactly
what to look for, in regards to detecting a Repro, or a Fake, stay away, and buy something that is all dirty
and grubby.
You say that you have done your homework. That's a good thing. But much more than just homework is
involved when it comes to detecting Phonies. As many years as I have been in the hobby, I am still finding
new surprises. In no way, do I want to discourage you from becoming an antique slot collector. Most of us
here on the Forum want to educate all the newbies, so they do not 'take it in the shorts' from a crook. If
you are shopping on eBay, that is a haven for many misrepresented machines. There are many 1930's model
slots that have been highly reproduced since the early 1980's, and still are to this day. So, you have come to
the right place, to get advice about most all models. There are members here, that specialize in just about
every manufacturer, and model.
Bill

The interior of the cabinet wood is not oxidized enuf imho and I don't see the usual lables or stickers inside either. No decals on outside of machine either. Need better photos but if all you are looking for is a red machine for the man cave or grandkids to wear out offer the guy $800-$900. The back door and lock will tell you a lot. No photos of those? It looks old but might not be and at that price cash and carry what the heck. I could not build one for that!

Where are you located? Local members of this blog can certainly advise and also may be able to offer a better antique slot machine to buy than this one.

Bill:

I appreciate the respond and the great insight.

The item, per the seller has a serial number stamped, but as you explained, to a novice, such as myself, even with the item insight, I may still have a difficult time deciphering the fake from the real.

With the above said, purchasing through eBay makes it even more so difficult.

Richard: I appreciate the insight, which parallels a little to my thoughts, after researching the machine itself online. Pic attached. You picked up a really nice slot machine in April from Pasadena - good catch!



Flipper: I am located in LA, and wouldn't mind doing business locally; perhaps picking the brain of an expert a little as well.

Again, thanks for the insight.

Mike

Wood cabinet appears to be an older replacement. Jackpot mech and trip lever is wrong for that machine. Jackpot in it most likely came from a high top.

Oldslotman: thank you for the response and insight.

With all the above considered, I have decided to pass up on the slot machine.

I Easter have an all original, non restored machine, even if isn't in mint condition.

Once again, I thank everyone here.

I think that same machine is listed on ebay with a little lower bid that what is being asked on craigslist.