Clubmaster Penny Slot

[CarolD59]

I am trying to find information on a slot machine recently given to me. It is an Aristocrat Clubmaster Criss Cross Aces 3 reel machine stamped Ainsworth Dental Co. The only thing I have been able to reference is that the machine was manufactured in Australia. I would like to find out the age and value of the machine. It is good working order. The cabinet is blue with a gold mesh grill. Any info would be appreciated.

[horatio7]

Hi Dave, I am a collector in Aus and this machine was Lenny Ainsworth's second machine ever made. The first was called Clubman in 1953 and Clubmaster commenced in approximateley 1955. Ainsworth was originally a dental technician and made his first machine in his dental clinic. He went on to form Aristocrat and it was a family business until it was floated in 1996. One of the main reasons for floating was Lenny was made to believe he had prostate cancer and the other was that with Lenny at the helm Aristocrat could not acquire his Gaming License in Las Vegas. He could not hold controlling shares. He then went on to start another Gaming Company called Ainsworth Gaming Technology at the age of 75. It is now the leading Company in Aust.The machine in Aust sells in good condition for around $1500 but because of our stupid laws here collecting is covert and not a big thing.Hope this has helped. I have been a poker machine tech for 45 years and just finished doing a 1927 Pace, loved it

[andydotp]

G'day both and any viewers,
Fair evaluation of the Clubmaster probably - which is rather sad really as they're as good and certainly - if not more, reliable than many similarly-aged Mills, Jennings etc machines of that vintage.
Interesting horatio7 you refer to Mr Ainsworth as Lenny. Personal friend? ex employee or business partner? And 45 yrs as a Pokie-tech (We need to connect, I'll PM you if you don't mind)..
You appear to know your stuff - the history down here in OZ etc and I'd appreciate a chat.
CarolD59, AU$1500 is about my opinion too,, for what it's worth.
Regards,
andydotp

[CarolD59]

horatio7 & andydotp: Thank you so much for this information. It has been very helpful. The machine still operates great. It is missing the two locks and the chrome on the upper readout has some surface rust on it. I did find the serial number on it: ACC 138. Again, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

CarolD59

[andydotp]

You're welcome carolD59.
Any chance of a few pics please?
Regards,
andydotp

[CarolD59]

Here are three pictures. I'd love to know what you think. This was found stored in an old barn that a friend of mine was cleaning out. The owner of the barn didn't want it and was going to throw it away as junk.

[CarolD59]

Sorry about the orientation of the pic. I have a side view and inside to upload for you to take a look at.

[CarolD59]

Side view.

[horatio7]

Reel strips look in good nickl- a big plus but rechroming is necessary. Paint is original colors and would guess original as the rest of machine would be retired along with the paint.in Aust I would pick
One of these up for $600< $750 ; Refurbish it and hope to get $1200< $1500. Hope this helped

[horatio7]

Sorry- my previous message should have read "REFURBISHED not RETIRED"