This machine intrigued me when I saw it in the catalog. It was not advertised as a slot machine but rather a trade stimulator with music.
Upon doing further research I found out that this is a very rare machine. Perhaps only two are known to exist. It appears that this is the only three reeler made which had music.
Once at the auction I closely examined the machine. It appears to be an incredible original machine and all serial numbers matched.
I contacted some people who are more knowledgeable than I am about cast iron machines. They asked how high I was willing to go. I told them and they said I might want to go a tad bit higher. Fortunately, I was the last man with my hand in the air and the price didn't hit my upper limit.
Included with the machine was a Caille catalog which showed the machine (along with a ton of other really rare Caille cast iron machines) and also a photo of a police squad busting up a bunch of rare machines including one that was similar, but not identical, to this machines. When I first looked at the photo I thought it was the same model of machine. However, once I scanned it in and zoomed in I could tell it was a slightly different model.
The catalog indicates the machine may be set to have a payout of either 50% or 85%. I looked at the mechanism and see that it is a 10 stop mechanism (not surprising). However, the first reel is designed so that the operator can select which set of 10 stops to use on the first reel. It looks like the machine is currently set to payout the more liberal 85% so I did not change it.
The gum vender is designed so that if no one takes the gum the machine will not dispense a 2nd pack.
There is also an off/on switch on the music box to disable the music.
The machine originally sold for $85. Add $15 for music. Music was a pretty high priced option (another 20% to the price of the machine). I bet not many of these were ordered with music.
The music box plays 8 tunes and it sounds really nice.
There is also a little bell on the mechanism which rings when a winner is hit.
Below are some photos of the machine and the interior.
