vndgguy wrote:I should assume that all high tops with the special award should have the token dispenser.
Don
"Should" is the key word; yes, they should have a token dispenser, but you can also assume that if you find a Special Award High Top today, the token dispenser is missing/not working until you confirm otherwise.
The dispenser is attached to the front casting and out of sight; some may have been removed by operators who wanted the player to call an attendant to pay on a jackpot or special award. Many more were removed in more recent "restoration" jobs taking short cuts.
Also, remember that the machine must have a token-capable mechanism (reel bundle and linkage to trip the dispenser). Just because a machine has special award reel strips does not mean it has the token payout discs and linkage.
In the past couple of months, I've looked at 2 Mills 777 Hightops; both had correct reel strips, but only 1 had a token-capable mechanism and both machines were missing the dispenser.
I don't know if he acquired it in working condition, but if you're going to get a Special Award machine, It's nice to have a complete working machine like Rich does.