Complete with original Mills award card, original reel strips, and original cash box. Seller believes the internal mechanism is the rarer and older 10-stop one. According to Mead (1996) there are fewer than 50 known rebuilt goose necks (Lion’s Head case and 10-stop mechanism) known in existence. The Poinsetta top case predates the Lion’s Head lower case, and when compared to photographs of other Poinsetta machines appears to be repainted to match the coloring of the Lion’s Head case. This was most likely done in the 1930s when the two machines were combined into what you see here.
Don’t be deceived by the condition of this unit. It has not been restored in any way except for oiling the internal mechanism since it was purchased in early 1962.
Features:Mint condition, original reel strips and award card
Cash Box, factory inspection sticker
Mills lock and key
Solid oak base and cabinet
This machine works well. Although its internal mechanism has been maintained, the machine has never been restored. As long as the handle isn’t pulled until the internal mechanism completes its cycle, the machine won’t jam. Its timing is good, all the payoffs line up properly and pay out correctly, except the third wheel Lemon Free Play does not work.
There is the wear of paint usual for antique items as well as other small surface defects. The logo decals on either side of the wood cabinet are mostly gone, although enough remains to show the cabinet is original. The award card has crayon marks and some print is scratched off, but the card is still readable.
Statement of ProvenanceThis 1928-9 and 1930-1 Mills mechanical slot machines were manufactured by the Mills Novelty Company, located in Chicago, Illinois. This machine is not original—because it didn’t come out of the factory configured like this.
The machine is a nickel denomination slot. Both the Lion Head front and Poinsettia coin entry top plate are rare and difficult to locate in original or period condition. This machine is NOT re-manufactured, but was probably rebuilt from two separate machines in the early 1930s, and as such, it is unique.
The machine is a nickel denomination slot. Both the Lion Head front and Poinsettia coin entry top plate are rare and difficult to locate in original or period condition. This machine is NOT re-manufactured, but was probably rebuilt from two separate machines in the early 1930s, and as such, it is unique. I challenge anyone to find another one exactly like it, especially one combined within the period of its original manufacture!