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Hello everyone, how I love the knowledge on this forum. I just saw this machine for sale and I was wondering just how authentic it might be and if it has any value. I've come to learn that there were very few "real" 25cent machines and even fewer 50cent machines made in the early days, so I'm pretty skeptical that this machine is an actual survivor. And what you folks think about it either way, real or not. And what kind of a value you would put on it. I've never posted pictures before, so I hope this all works. Thanks for any and all comments, you guys are great.

Leo

Looks real to me, early after market jack pot front, bad paint job, no back door- eat value $900

Looks real to me, early after market jack pot front, bad paint job, no back door- eat value $900

that's a rock o la lower front!

Leo are you thinking about a first or second machine or just a machine the kids or grandkids can give you thei allowance back on? Buying because it might be rare or its a 50 cent machine? It's NOT real rare has LOW collector interest and if priced right for your budget and works why not? If you can paint and tinker even better. A cool paint job on it by hand will go a long way to enhance esthetic value and pride of ownership. Good luck let us know what you decide!

Leo:
This is indeed a very scarce survivor, and a welcome to any nice collection. It is definitely a 'full-blown' U.S. production model.
Very few 50c machines were produced during the 20's & 30's. Most people would tend to think that this machine may have been
an export model. But not this example. The main clue, is that the 50c is cast into the gooseneck. If it were export, it would have
a 50c badge covering the 1d English casting, to snooker the U.S. buyer.
This is a legit Jennings "Operator Bell" series, with a Rockola JP conversion lower front. The only thing that is iffy, is where the
Rockola name is usually in raised letters, in the flat area, below the jackpot window. Not sure if Rockola themselves, omitted the
name in some castings, or another revamper used their casting, and ground the lettering out. With the sloppy, incorrect blue repaint
on this one, I can't tell if any lettering is still there. And that blue on the wood side panel does not belong either. If everything else
besides the back door is there, and is a working machine, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Providing the price is within reason. The back
door is not an easy find, but do show up occasionally. Good luck. Hope you bag it.
Bill

OK Time for my two cents and thats about what its worth. Pull the mech out of the cabinet and check the part numbers on the front and back of the gooseneck. Both sides will start with the prefix LB and end with HD which means it's a genuine 50C gooseneck. If the numbers are ground off or end in EP then it is English or a converted 50C, converted back again.

Leo:
Additionally, what does that price tag read on the front? It is hard to read, but appears to start with an 8.
If that is so, it is not too far out-of-line. But it doesn't hurt to try and negotiate a bit lower. Also, what is
the story on the yellow paper?
Bill

The tag says $1099.00, With stand.

BUY IT