Looking to buy my 1st slot and don't want to step in a pile of poop. I've located a restored Bursting Cherry - everything screams authenticity but I do have a few concerns that I'd like some help with:
1. The fact that this is a quarter machine with gold award. Should this in and of itself raise a red flag or have I just stumbled on something that is on the rare side?
2. The award card is printed on paper under a 'window', not embossed aluminum/steel? Was the rarity of gold award machines so low that Mills didn't set up embossing machines for such a small run? In other words would an authentic, original, unrestored have a paper printed award card like this?
3. The check detector lever/assembly has been removed - seller states that the check detector in the escalator is not needed (no disputing that) and removing it lessens the chance of service calls. I'm curious if this impacts future resale value. Would a collector not give this machine a 2nd look simply on the basis that there is no check detector?
I really don't have any marjor reservations for these items but I suppose I'm seeking the opinion of others who've seen it all.
Besides the above, it checks all the boxes: rear door, key/lock, anti-drill plates, wood patina, stamped serial on bonnet, etc. - it just looks and feels right.
Thanks in advance.