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I'm new to the slot machine world, and now have the itch for it. I got my first machine this year, Mills Castle .5 with the golden token award. Now I'm looking all the time for more machines, one for my mother in law and brother.

First is a .25 bursting cherry slot, it's complete but it's rough to easy the least. What would be correct color scheme, and what parts are interchangeable should I need to replace parts, or is everything denomination specific, such as only mills 25 cent parts? I paid 200.00 for it, I'm hoping to make it playable again.

2nd is a .5 wolfs head or lions head. Are the colors right? Is there a serial data base to find out year? Going to pick it up this weekend, not sure what fair price is. No keys to open the back though. Owner feels it's worth 900.00

3rd is Mills .5 but have no idea what the machine is called. I couldn't find another like it, serial shows #500. Any help on any of these as far as restoring is greatly appreciated. This one is owned by same guy that owns the lions head, also wants 900.00 for this one. Luckily he has keys to back panel. He's owned them since the late 70s.

Again any observations or info you can help me is greatly appreciated. Will provide more pics when able.

The mills Bursting Cherry is a nice machine done right. Here is mine that I restored. Its called the brown front.

My opinion is if you find a working machine, complete and maybe needing a few touch-ups for under $1000.00 give it some consideration. I love finding original machines $ 400-700. range. The e-bay prices are usually someone's dream but I have found and bought several around $650.00, which required nothing but cleaning. Good luck and welcome.

I saw #3, the Mills JP conversion was recently on flebay; do you own it now?

Thank you, I was ondering if the bursting cherry color scheme was any different for a .25 machine. Ive seen so many different color variations. I wasn't sure what is correct. Your machine looks awesome by the way (brown)

The #3...I haven't received it yet but yes. It was listed on online. I'll be picking it up tomorrow..

Another question I meant to ask, is there a way to unlock back plate or remove without the key. Owner cannot locate it. I'm guessing drilling it..or get a locksmith are the only real options.

Hi If your machine is a goose neck then you can break the front glass and with a long screw driver undo the 2 screws that hold the lock in.

A far as the Mills JP conversion.... why would it be converted.... and what would the correct front be?

72gunner wrote:A far as the Mills JP conversion.... why would it be converted.... and what would the correct front be?

When the machine was produced, it was probably an Owls Operators Bell without a jack pot. When JP machines first came out about that same time, they quickly became so popular, slots without JPs were obsolete. Many were converted (revamped) with JP fronts made by many companies. Revamped slots are an interesting part of the hobby and, IMO, you are best to not even think about replacing the front.

Thanks for the info and suggestions. I picked up the machines today, unfortunately neither machine has the key for the back plates. I can drop a coin in each of them, the handle cycles, the reels want to spin but don't, not getting the 5 clicks.

Maybe you will get lucky when you finally get them open and find a bunch of old coins!!

-Fred-