Info and value question?

[Keather]

I recently picked up this machine.

Plays perfect once I got it unjammed and cleaned and polished it. The number 51 is stamped on the casing in two places, I assume that’s the serial number? I think it’s a Pace Bantam from about 1930? Has a cool coin bag in the front, first Pace I have owned.

Can any confirm my assumptions? And estimate a value?

[nvmos2]

51 is not the serial number.

The serial will be a 4 or 5 digit number; anywhere from about 2000 to 25000; may be followed by a letter.

The Bantam was produced between about 1928 to 1936;
serial number will help to narrow that window down.

The value is whatever you (as an informed, knowledgeable buyer) and the seller agreed upon.
Others may disagreed with your valuation, but so what?

Nice machine.

[mechanic]

THE 51 WOULD BE THE LINE NUMBER OF THE SLOT ROW OF SIMILAR MACHINES. SO NUMBER 51 MEANS THERE WERE 50 OTHER SIMILAR MACHINES IN THE ROW.

[Keather]

Thanks for the information. So much to learn....

Any idea where I should look for the serial number?? I took all the casing apart to polish it, didn’t see any other numbers stamped anywhere??

[nvmos2]

It's been a long time since I've had a Bantam, but serial number should be stamped into top casting edge between coin head and handle.

letters (if any) are part of serial number and may be at front or end of numbers.

[oldpinguy]

Just checked my Bantam and the serial number is on the top casting, right side above the handle.—”7816J”

[Keather]

Again, thanks everyone for your help.

I checked around the cabinet and the only number anywhere is “51”. Not that it really matters what the serial number is, it was more just curiosity and trying to learn as much as possible about these fascinating machines. I will look more inside when I have time, but for now, much like Area 51, this machine #51 will remain a mystery.......

Have a great week everyone.