New Find - Mills Melon Bell - How did I do?

[Mendozaco]

Just bought this machine today at an auction in Virginia Beach.

Is it a Mills Melon Bell? How did I do? Any comments?

It was advertised as a Mill Bursting Cherry and It was sold for parts. They try to make it work during the auction and it did not move.

After I paid for the machine I noticed that the escalator was not working and several coins were stock together. 10 minutes after I got mechanism working during the auction. The mechanism works like an angel, the jackpot worked once i moved the reels in place and the counter (meter) moved from 122 to 123. The machine needs exterior work, paint and an interior clean up. In my view nothing major.

Here are the pics. I plan to restore it in the next three months. I will keep you posted with my progress. I want to use the original colors, but I don't know the colors. Need help with the right shade of colors.

Here are the magic questions. Is it a Melon Bell and what will it be valued once the restoration is completed?

[Mendozaco]

More pics

[Dave]

Congratulations on your first slot machine.

Back in the 80s, when I bought my very first slot machine it was that exact same model.

I had no idea what I was buying. I just wanted a slot machine.

You might want to contact Fred Debaugh. He has restored them and probably knows the correct colors.

His website is http://www.OldSlots.com.

Regarding value, you might want to check www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com

This is a somewhat unusual machine but it usually does not bring that much of a premium over a Bursting Cherry or Brown Front.

Your machine is definitely a Melon Bell.

[Mendozaco]

Thanks Dave.

I got my 3 days subscription to http://www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com. I got what I needed and realized that I paid 40% what is currently worth. Obviously it needs to be restored. The website is worth the investment.

Alex M.

[nvmos2]

WOW!!!!!!!
What a fantastic find!
I live in the VA Beach area; good thing I did not know about the auction;
we would have been in a bidding war!

It looks like you may have the original paint job on that machine;
go to You Tube;
search on Mills Melon Bell

Looks like it does not need much; good luck with it.