new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

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new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby NACC » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:59 pm

hello all- i'm picking up a "new to me" antique slot tomorrow- the previous owner (old guy who's owned it for a long long time) only knows that it's a mills bonus but no clue of the year or actual model.
i'm having a tough time finding an exact match- I've found plenty of 5 & 25 cent machines, but not many 10 cent- and the 10 cent slots I find don't match exactly.
the slot appears to be a legit antique (but please educate me if I'm wrong) the slot performs beautify. I'm assuming its been repainted because I can find anything on google this color.
he's also giving me the original users manual. was also wondering what a fair price to pay for it is? thanks in advance.
Attachments
mills bonus (5).jpg
mills bonus (3).jpg
mills bonus (7).jpg
mills bonus (4).jpg
mills bonus (6).jpg
mills bonus (9).jpg
mills bonus (2).jpg
mills bonus (8).jpg
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby JHSS-1944 » Wed Dec 21, 2016 2:26 am

First off NACC, Welcome to the forum !
well , I guess if you had to pick a machine to start your collection / enjoyment ,a Mill BONUS is a very good choice.
Correct, it's been repainted at some time. from the factory most (if not all) were Burgundy & Gold color combination (which is a great color match). may have been done by a casino after a bit of play on it, or a past "collector".
for "value" , better in the original colors but,it looks good , no need to "fit" it if you don't need too. first sold in 1947 (undated mills order blank form), for $230.00 (5 cent was $5.00 less,& 25 cent was $5.00 more). actually the price was for 25 machines or more. sold 47/ 48/ 49/ 1950 (at least).

I can't really give an estimate price. very popular machine to have,prices vary depending where you look,ect.
will re look at your photos to see IF any "odd" about it.
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby JHSS-1944 » Wed Dec 21, 2016 2:37 am

looks o.k. to me. with the original owner's manual is very nice. if you can scan that to this forum, many might want to copy it.
here's images of the color sales flyer of the machine.
jeff H.
Attachments
BONUSpage1.jpg
BONUSpage2.jpg
BONUSpage3.jpg
BONUSpage4.jpg
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby thepennyarcade » Wed Dec 21, 2016 6:38 am

Nice Mills 10t Bonus, colors look great
I really like the original manual and Yes please upload it for the forum.
Normally you only see 5 coins in the escalator so I wonder if this is a converted roll away escalator.
This is a great hobby so congratulations but collecting these machines can be addicting.
John
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby RameGoom » Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:19 am

My .02

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Slowly building a knowledge base on E2000 series Bally machines and J400 Jennings. Started with the antique Mills and Jennings. Getting there...
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby TheFatman » Wed Dec 21, 2016 12:34 pm

The escalator really looks to be changed into a rollaway. Otherwise, the coins would have a space in between each coin or it is jammed.
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby NACC » Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:01 pm

wow- thanks for this great info guys! love the old ads!
I just returned from the 600 mile round trip drive to pick up the mills.
The mills plays nice- the manual he gave was actually just a photo copy (a bad one at that) :(
I take some pics tomorrow and post- I have several questions regarding the internals.
I was considering doing the exterior restore myself- but, I'm a bit worried about damaging things and getting them back where they belong.
(funny- I've rebuilt automatic transmissions, classic cars and fix electro-mechanical hospital equipment- but this 1947 slot scares me! lol :oops:
I may do some research on having a seasoned slot guy do the restore for me- maybe get a referral or two from you guys.
the left wood side (without the lever) is split from top to bottom. the metal side plate seems to be keeping it all good and tight.
I'd really like to strip the black paint (probably lead paint) off the wood and bring back the nice wood look to the exterior. maybe glue & clamp the split?

I'm exhausted- g'nite!
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby JHSS-1944 » Thu Dec 22, 2016 2:10 am

I didn't notice the "roll away conversion" on it. I should have ,2 of my 50 cent machines are like this. not sure if this is an issue with the thin 10 cent coins or not. no big deal to leave or replace the 2 pieces.

I might have a low quality image of the manual in a file here. will have to look.
you actually drove 600 miles to buy this ?....... Well , I do believe I drove a bit farther for the same. least we all know you really wanted it.
well it's up to you on the wood paint. yes wood glue & a few clamps will do.
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby JHSS-1944 » Thu Dec 22, 2016 2:17 am

quality of the 1 image I have is to terrible to put up here, Sorry !
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Re: new mwmber looking for info on antique slot...

Postby SLOT DYNASTY » Thu Dec 22, 2016 4:08 am

NACC:
First of all....Ditto - "Welcome to our Forum". I'm sure you will enjoy the site, and learn a lot about your new treasure,
and hopefully more to come. Maybe the next one will be a shorter drive.
I does appear you have a 'roll-away' escalator, as there are no separating travel fingers between the coins. The machine
would not have left the factory like this, and was most likely converted by an off-site operator, or sometimes the Casino
shops themselves. It is an easy fix, to get back to original. If you have rebuilt automatic transmissions, then this will be
a 'piece-of-cake'. So, it's time to hop off that "Can-Am", and get started on the "Bonus". :D
The original Mills "Bonus" came in more than one color scheme, but the one I show here, which is totally original, is one of
the most common, and my personal favorite. It also happens to be a 10c model as well. Normally we try to leave machines
as original as possible, but being as yours has been repainted very UN-impressive colors, (especially the Black), it is advised
to redo. You will also notice the fully operational escalator, with a full row of coins. Hopefully we will be seeing examples
of your work, and final restoration. Good Luck.
Cheers,Bill
Mills 10c 'Bonus' HighTop (orig)1b.jpg

Mills 10c 'Bonus' HighTop (orig)1c.jpg
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