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Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:16 pm
by Landseller1
Hello!
New member here. I don't know anything about this slot machine my mother bought 30-40 years ago. It works really well and it's heavy. The door opens and I know the key is somewhere that I have to find. I can't find any info online or pictures that resemble it. Also don't know where to look for a serial number.
Any info/help is much appreciated.
Thank you!
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:33 pm
by sam2002
Pretty sure it’s refered to as Mills open front, looks like a jackpot only machine though I do see a coin tube so perhaps it pays on smaller payouts and once had a marque award card? Probably from the 60’s pretty common machine, not a lot of collectability but should be a good solid work horse of a machine.
It’s from a decent casino so that’s a plus!
Nice machine great for the home bar etc as a novelty, lots of fun!
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:40 pm
by MONTI
I agree with Sam!
Saw a lot of these in the El Dorado back in the early years and Sam the small award payouts are shown under the reel window on the the flat area just above the Belly glass! I believe this is a Mills Bell-O-Matic when Mills was located in Reno area!
Yes, they are real work horses of the casinos in the old days, 50's into the early 60's!
Ciao!
MONTI
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:47 pm
by kentdun
Yes, an open front.
I used to have a pair from Del Webbs casino. Paid out upto 20 coins. Anything bigger paid by casino. Plugged in for lights and bell. It would cycle without power.
Bell would ring non-stop if jackpot won or door was open.
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 5:04 pm
by Landseller1
Thank you for the info so far. So not much collector value, but any value? and does the price go further down if I can't find the key? Could i find a replacement with the serial number?
Sorry with all the questions.
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 5:07 pm
by MONTI
Yes, when I worked at the Sahara Tahoe at Stateline Nevada in the mid 60's it was owned by Del Webb Corporation and we had rows of those same slots!
This one was in the entry to the Juniper Room which was the casino mini showroom!
Great Time to work in the casinos!
Ciao!
MONTI
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 5:23 pm
by MONTI
Landseller1 wrote:Thank you for the info so far. So not much collector value, but any value? and does the price go further down if I can't find the key? Could i find a replacement with the serial number?
Sorry with all the questions.
With a name of a well known casino fully operational and cosmetically clean I have sold them after a complete tune up for between $600.00 and $800.00!
The lock is a fairly straight forward lock with a retracting tab that just allows the locking bar to rise and allows the door to open!
The El Dorado was in the old days one of a lot of history and is still open today under new ownership!
Bona Fortuna!
MONTI
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Fri Jan 07, 2022 6:01 pm
by Landseller1
Thanks Monti and everyone for the great info!
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Sat Jan 08, 2022 10:38 pm
by mechanic
MONTI wrote:I agree with Sam!
Saw a lot of these in the El Dorado back in the early years and Sam the small award payouts are shown under the reel window on the the flat area just above the Belly glass! I believe this is a Mills Bell-O-Matic when Mills was located in Reno area!
Yes, they are real work horses of the casinos in the old days, 50's into the early 60's!
Ciao!
MONTI
I AGREE WITH THE MASTER IT IS A BELL-O-MATIC AKA OPEN FRONT BUT IT'S ACTUALLY A MILLS COMPACT MODEL . IT WAS USAED WHERE SPACE WAS TIGHT LIKE CRUISE SHIPS AND AIRPLANES BACK IN THE DAY. IT GAVE CASINOS A FEW EXTRA MACHINES ON THE LINE WHICH INCREASED PROFITS.
Re: Help identify Mills slot machine

Posted:
Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:40 am
by MONTI
JIMMY, JIMMY, JIMMY!
No need to call me the "MASTER" however it is great to see that Sam, You and I all agree on this particular slot machine of which I have one from FELIX'S Casino in Northern Nevada that has been awaiting my restorative process thanks to the curved reel glass you sent me!
As we are all from the "Early Days" in our hobby having many old contacts that have recently gone to the "Big Casino" in the sky I want to wish both of you a Safe and Prosperous New Year!
BONA FORTUNA Mi Amico's!
MONTI