SN and Watling question

[Richard13]

I am new to this site but have spent hours pouring over hundreds of threads. My questions are
where does everyone get the serial number date of production info from? My new prize is a 1937
or 1938 Watling Bird of Paradise and the SN is 87211 on the label inside and stamped on machine.
I would like to know for sure a better date of mfgr if possible.

Also reading the threads did all Watling RATS have the fiber gear in the clock or just certain years?

THANKS GUYS!

[watlingboy]

Richard,

The dates that most use is from a chart in the Dan Post book, "Slot Machines of Yesteryear, Watling Operator's Companion." This book shows up on eBay and has a lot of good information in it. According to that chart, your machine was made in 1938. Most Birds were made in the years 1938, '39 and '40 however although very rare, there are Rol-A-Tor Birds. No, not all RAT's had the fiber clock gear. They seem to appear more in late30's machines.

Watlingboy

[Richard13]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply and information. I appreciate the input and great information the members of this forum share.

[Dave]

If you don't have the book go to http://www.CoinOpRegistry.com it has all the serials that are in the book plus thousands more.

The site is totally free. You can even register your machine there.

Dave