Mills FOK Four Column Front Vender fake or real ? ?

[brazoot]

Does anyone know if the Mills FOK Four column Vender was reproduced ? I just bought one that looks to be a copy, Case is excellent( "too" nice), the mech with future pay is definitely original, The castings all have Mills casting part numbers inside and are plated. The only numbers I see on the outside are stamped into the base of the goose neck but not the front casting . It supposedly was purchased in a Vegas Casino Gift Shop twenty years ago. Are there that many Future pay original mechs around that someone would spend a lot of money having Four column Vender front castings made ? The machine just looks "Too Good" ....... Thank You...Tom

[flipper77]

Post a few clear pictures and we can respond. I have a fully original 4 column FOK with future pay so would be glad to give you my opinion.

Flip

[brazoot]

I've attempted to attach some pictures.

[brazoot]

Photos Attached

[flipper77]

Well - nice looking machine. Mech appears definitely original as you have commented. Hard to tell on casting though I would suggest that someone previous refinished and repainted the casting rather than this being a reproduction. Is there a serial number on casting up by handle? Looks like the original lock to access the mint columns. Remake cash box and wrong payout card (future pay machines should not have payouts displayed) but that is not uncommon. You can see pictures of mine on topic Machines For Sale - scroll down to 1927 FOK. Maybe others have opinion?

Flip

[brazoot]

Thank you and Yes, that's the issue, There is no serial number on the front casting (handle side) , the castings appear too crisp, ( no sign of polishing prior to plating) I guess the question is if anyone has any knowledge of a Mills 4 Column FOK being reproduced at any time in the last thirty years, and unless someone had a load of Future Pay Mechs lying around, why would they invest thousands of dollars on the tooling to make the castings unless they could recoup a return on their investment by selling a lot of machines, doesn't make sense to me. Thank you again for your expertise....Tom

[brazoot]

The only Serial numbers on the outside of the machine are attached. One on the coin entry, and one on the non handle side by the award card. I can't tell if this machine (Case) is a repro or not.

[flipper77]

Yes - is concerning that there is no serial on the casting. I have seen serials in the wood but not on the non-handle side. My 1922 Mills OK Vendor has serial in the wood but on handle side. Will say that the 126,136 serial number appears real and that serial places the machine right in middle of 1925 which would be an early FOK. Maybe legit. I am not aware of repros of Mills FOK so still think this is original Mills machine with a very coated, painted and polished refinish job.

Flip

[brazoot]

Thank you Flipper. I guess I lucked out. I bought the machine convinced that the castings were repros. I cannot find any traces of polishing, No rounded corners, no buffing wheel streaks, all edges of the castings are square and sharp. If this is not a repro, and based on your extensive knowledge, whoever restored this FOK was really good. Thanks again.....Tom

[watlingboy]

Mills goosenecks for the most part have never brought huge money, baseball version the exception. While your machine appears to be over restored, it is original. They have never been reproduced that I have ever seen. You'r right, way too much work for too little reward.

Watlingboy