This might be my first post here... I'm normally on newlifegames.com but this seems to be THE place for antique slots.
I've always loved the Mills Black Cherry slot machine. About three weeks ago, I was trolling craigslist as usual and saw one. Not only was the price listed at $450 but the machine was about a mile from my house! I furiously sent one message, and then another about two hours later when I had no response. Finally that evening, he replied. The seller was getting "bids" by e mail and he had raised the price to $600 but the bidding had gone to something like $675. He said he'd let me know... I replied a few minutes later and told him the old "I've got cash and am nearby" and then added that I'd give him $500. Finally he responded again and said to come get it for $500. The other "bidders" had not responded yet and the high one was in San Diego, about two hours away. Five minutes later I was in his garage. We ended up chatting for a half hour. Apparently the machine was in a storage unit and just needed to be sold (along with everything else in there) since the owner was... in jail! He needed money and told his friend to sell everything in the unit just to get some money.
The machine's in a little worse shape than what was listed as "minor work" needed but overall it appears complete. I have one original Mills lock for the cash box lock but missing keys. I've already shipped the lock to Dave B to re-key. I'm also getting a new set of escalator springs and getting GREAT help from Monti. The back door lock was not only drilled out, but literally encircled and cut out! I have no idea why someone would do that. I installed a new lock and epoxied a big washer painted black to cover the huge-ass hole. Anyway... I'll probably post the "fix" stuff more in a different area but wanted to tell everyone my "fantastic for me" find.