Posted 13 years ago
TonyPapant…
(2 items)
I have no idea where this machine is from, when it was built or anything from its history. All I know is that I love it! I'm hoping that someone with intimate expertise of slot machines may be able to provide further details on this piece.
any markings/serial numbers/patent numbers?
You have a 1931 25 cent Mills lion head gooseneck bell slot machine
Your slot machine was manufactured by Mills Novelty Co of Chicago, IL The company was founded in 1880 producing coin operated cigar vending machine. In 1897, the company launched the Mills Owl which was the first mechanical upright slot machine.
@VikingFan82 - There are no marking or numbers on the item... @ttomtucker - Thank you so much for your help! So, is this an 1897 machine or a 1931 machine? I googled the slot machine image and very much enjoyed looking at how it looked originally!
Question: Should I restore this machine or does that make the item lose value?
Tony, It's a 1931 machine, the 1897 machine was there Mills owl. The question is do you want to keep the slot machine or sell it. If you intend to keep it have it restored and enjoy it. if you want to sell it, then leave it in it's original condition.
ttomtucker: Thank you for your help on this matter...