Why would base of machine be cut off?

[WikiSlots]

My first antique slot machine, so it took some time for me to notice this. I have a Mills Poinsettia and the wood base of the machine has been cut off up to the back door, almost as though someone wanted the machine to be flush to a wall. From the look of the cut, it was done a long time ago as the wood now matches the rest of the machine. Curious ... was this a common thing at one point for a casino, pub or smoke shop to do? Thanks -Dave

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171431016882

[WikiSlots]

I'd like to add also ... I am completely open to any of the experts who want to give me the cold hard truth about what I bought ... what appears real and not. Thus far, I believe the following to be true ... based on the serial number on the top casting, the top casting is 1926. The bottom Poinsettia Jackpot casting is ca. 1930. The lock is repro (I ordered an original for $75). The back base is cut off. There are some nuts and bolts missing here and there. Everything else appears to be original, including the glass and strips. The payout card is suspect.

Any other observations?

[oldslotman]

After taking a better look at it, it appears as though the front has been cut also. Maybe it is a replacement base or the base was cut to fit some kind of a stand. A lot can happen to these machines in 80 plus years.

[oldslotman]

Original base would be about 7/8 to 1 inch thick. A replacement base maybe only 3/4 inch thick.

[WikiSlots]

Thank you both. I have also found that the coin bowl appears not to be original. There is no part number on it and the base was trimmed to allow it to fit. Plus, the cover over the chute was also grind down to fit within the hole opening. It appears that was done when the jackpot front was added. Bummer.

[mechanic]

The base was cut to fit a stand which may not have been made for that model. Stands came in a variety of sizes, but operators could care less and used whatever they had and made it work. Any repro parts came more recently.