Questions Regarding 1930s Mills Castle Front Quarter Machine

[et777]

Hey all, first time posting here. I just recently procured what I believe is a 1930s Mills Castle Front quarter slot machine from an auction, and had some questions regarding its authenticity. I've been trying to find photos online of this specific color variation and design with the jackpot window having a mirror design above it, but so far I haven't seen any. Another thing is that the reels in this machine have little phrases on them, I've heard of fortune reels, but I haven't seen photos online with these specific phrases on them. One last question I had was regarding the internals of the machine. Out of curiosity, would anyone know if there was any obvious missing parts just from a shot of the insides alone? I believe everything works as it should, just want to be sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated! If additional photos are needed, I will gladly post them.

[jmisatu]

On the exterior of the upper casting there should be a six digit numerical serial number on the flat horizontal part to the right and above the award card. Originals have this. The back door and lock are reproductions however.

[memphisbigdave]

Yes, those are fortune reels and genuine. Everything looks correct except perhaps the back door, as was said

[just frank slots]

Clean... Very nice...

[nvmos2]

It can be hard to find an original unmolested slot these days.

IMO; your machine looks good, however;
In addition to the obvious repro back door;
it's been repainted; close to the "standard" Mills paint scheme, but a little off.
looks like the back bonnet blue does not match the front casting blue;
wood case case been replaced or rebuilt; back vertical panels look to have replacement boards (don't quite match/don't have the typical dings);
you should have a working JP and a visible reserve JP, not a covered/mirror for upper glass;
handle is not correct;
mechanism not original MLB stamped main operating arm;
slug cup missing; reel brakes missing; left and right lock down latches missing;
cash box may be original, but it's repainted and missing finger hook replaced.

What is the serial number stamped into upper casting?

Still a nice find as long as it plays and pays properly; just enjoy it!

[et777]

It can be hard to find an original unmolested slot these days.

IMO; your machine looks good, however;
In addition to the obvious repro back door;
it's been repainted; close to the "standard" Mills paint scheme, but a little off.
looks like the back bonnet blue does not match the front casting blue;
wood case case been replaced or rebuilt; back vertical panels look to have replacement boards (don't quite match/don't have the typical dings);
you should have a working JP and a visible reserve JP, not a covered/mirror for upper glass;
handle is not correct;
mechanism not original MLB stamped main operating arm;
slug cup missing; reel brakes missing; left and right lock down latches missing;
cash box may be original, but it's repainted and missing finger hook replaced.

What is the serial number stamped into upper casting?

Still a nice find as long as it plays and pays properly; just enjoy it!

Thank you very much for the information, thankfully it does play and pay as it should, it’s really satisfying putting quarters into it now and then. I was able to grab a photo of the serial number, but I’m having trouble trying to make it out. No clue if I’m going blind but any suggestions to what it reads out would be massively appreciated.

[et777]

On the exterior of the upper casting there should be a six digit numerical serial number on the flat horizontal part to the right and above the award card. Originals have this. The back door and lock are reproductions however.

Massively appreciate the info, was trying to find the serial number for so long and didn’t even think to check the top

[nvmos2]

et777;
To me, your serial number looks to be 37093?, which would be correct for a Castle Front produced in 1936 or earlier.

When Mills stamped a serial in, it was usually crisp, clean and easy to read.
When a serial number is defaced/obliterated or otherwise made unreadable, it suggests a machine that may have been hijacked or stolen at some time in the past.
Your number, however, just looks like it shows 90 years of wear, dirt and layers of paint.

The Castle Front is an iconic machine, most notable for introducing the 3-5 payout, which was a radical change back in the day.

Thanks for sharing it here.