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mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Sat May 12, 2018 8:41 pm
by hdman05
Hi again, i`ve tried to educate myself on slot machines without bothering everyone but here I go again. I found a 1940s 10 cent mills black cherry high top slot machine, but I can`t figure out what it is worth because of issues with it. First someone apparently cut part of the escalator off for some reason, it will only hold 2 dimes before the next one falls. #2 Has a homemade cash box. #3 The side wood looks almost to good, (maybe newer) but the rest of the machine looks like it should. #4 It needs repainted, someone had a bad taste in color and tried to paint it. #5 The numbers on the mills key has been removed, I assume to disguise matching numbers. #6 I found a spring that fell off one of the top payout arms. I`m wondering if the machine could have been parted together. I forgot my camera so i will go back and take pictures and post them so you can see what i`m talking about. Is there any shots that i should take besides Front, close up of escalator, both sides, back open and closed? thanks

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Sun May 13, 2018 10:09 am
by nhsodaman
Sounds like a machine that was put together from parts. You can fix most of the problems with parts and labor. If the major parts are in good shape you can get this back to working and looking good but I think as a price I would pay around $400

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Mon May 14, 2018 4:52 am
by Major Kong
Re. First issue. Believe 2 dimes visible, was a shortened escalator to improve reliability and reduce maintenance by casinos. Thinking I read that here.
Pix would help.
Tom

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Mon May 14, 2018 1:57 pm
by 1949
Right after I posted the first post and before I went to take the pictures, I found out that he put it on craigslist for $1000.00 saying everything is great. So I just sent him a text and said good luck. He said he would wait till I came back, but you know how that goes, "They have them on ebay asking a lot of money" Any way I took the pictures off of craigslist so you can see then, if nothing else for grins and giggles. You can`t see the escalator very good in his picture but someone didn't do to smooth of a job cutting it. I guess part of the fun is the hunt. Thanks

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2018 3:20 am
by goodguy9
Do not feel bad-- It is really not a great first machine. But
if you always research a machine long enough, I will guarantee
you some one else will have bought it, They post" for sale machines"
on this site. Sellers are usually quite knowledgeable, and helpful
For your first machine do not search for the cheapest, search for
the most reliable seller. This is a learning experience... Do not
buy the checpest, you will always be sorry. If you set a tight
budget (makeit is a little strech able.) Love what you buy. and you
will never be sorry about the price.
My first machine was a Mills sweert heart penny slot. Gave it to my
wife for Valentines Day--paid more then i inteneded-- loved it then,
and 37 years latter we love irt still.
goodguy 9

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2018 8:01 am
by MONTI
I agree with the previous comment as you probably "Dodged A Bullet" on this one!
You may want to consider yourself lucky and continue the search and thoroughly research everything you are considering and don't be afraid to ask questions of the people who reside here on the Forum that have been doing this for a while!
Personally, off of my listings, Etc. I get many phone calls asking for advice and love talking to people just joining the hobby and doing whatever I can to prevent them from paying too much or falling for the "Okie Doke" of an unscrupulous seller!
Don't evaluate value by what is listed on EBAY with selling prices, only use sold final listings and better yet look for closed current auctions, Etc.
These can be found with a little searching on the internet!
Prices can be all over the spectrum and most of the "High Prices" are "Trolling" prices, so while impulse buys can be intriguing always do your research!
Welcome to the Hobby that is Antique Slot Machines!
Again, if you have questions, do not hesitate to ask any of us!
Feel free to contact me as well if you wish my opinion!
Bona Fortuna!
MONTI

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Thu May 17, 2018 5:20 am
by Anglobritish
Well said Monti, you are the real deal, so many phoney's out there, you are the new Slot Dynasty, and giving true and honest advise, most of those machines for sale on Ebay only sell to impulse buyers not real collectors. I suggest any would be buyers should go to an auction, and see the true prices paid by knowlegable collectors, stay well.

Freddy Bailey

Re: mills black cherry slot machine

PostPosted: Thu May 17, 2018 8:16 am
by MONTI
Thank You for the Kind Words Freddy but I could never fill the shoes of Bill Whelan "Slot Dynasty", my Dear Friend who I will unfortunately never be able to speak to on the phone again!
Being from the Bay Area, as he was, he and I had many mutual friends from the "Old Days" of our hobby and the casinos in the Lake Tahoe Area, both North and South Shore, that we would fondly speak of in memory and and unfortunately Bill has now joined that list!
May Our Dear Friend Rest In Peace!
Ciao!
MONTI