CoinOpCollectorForum.com

Does anyone have a foto of the original Mills Melon Bell? Not the HiTop from the late
Forties, but the older style (HalfTop) from the Thirties.
I read that this was the slot that introduced the watermelon on the reel strip.
Thanks,
Nelson

Hi,
Find attached a page from the brochure of the low top Melon Bell that was first introduced by Mills in 1937

Freddy Bailey

I am sure you can find one that is painted correctly at www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com

Dave

There is one in Cherry Restorations "for sale" area on their website (might be restored vs. all original looking at their photos---www.oldslots.com). Robert

Cheery restorations had at least 2 for sale , both unrestored. sales not so good, sitting on a lot of unrestored machines, money tied up in them ,ect.,ect.

Although not the most impressive looking, this is an original paint scheme. The dark pink, is closer to a wine color.
Many of the restored ones you see, are using medium and light pink, with a little more green & blue. They look
better, but not sure if they are yet another color variation that Mills used, as I do not have any original color ads
that shows color variations. Another thing that looks better, but is not correct, is that some restorers will paint
the cherries along the bottom in red, which is not correct. they are green, as shown here.

Also note that the ad above, (which is an artists drawing, and not always perfectly accurate to the real thing),
shows this model without the full circular burst, which does not look good at all.

Hi,
The original color as stated in the brochure is Violet, it was advertised as the most popular color to men, see the attached description from the original four page brochure that was put out by Mills, perhaps they decided to change it before they went into production, I will go through my copies of the Mills monthly magazines "Spinning Reels" and see if there is any comments about this model.

Freddy Bailey

Thanks, all.
Now all I have to do is FIND one!

I searched CL and found this one in Wisconsin.
It is all original except for the reel strips, and front jack pot lock.
It took me a while to figure them out, as I am no expert!
Paint is original along with matching numbered rear door lock.
I wanted one to complete my collection of Bursting Cherry Bell's.
There is one for sale in Rhode Island on CL right now.
I'm not sure of the originality, but it looks right.
I wanted all 10 cent machines for my grandchildren to have fun with.
Good Luck with you're search.
I'm sure you will find a nice one.

Are Cherry Restorations (oldslots.com) still in business. Appears their website no longer exists?