Jennings Star Chief

[tjankovs]

Hello...

I am new to the forum and excited to learn more about these machines. I just inherited a Jennings 5c Star Chief and am working to get it back to 100%. I un-jammed the payout mech and have ordered some missing parts including the coin box and pump.

I have a few question I hope you guys could answer.

1. I have yet to find this exact machine with the same 5 jackpot payout. From the service tag it looks like it was for the San Souci Hotel in Vegas starting in the 30s. The Mirage is now there! It was small so perhaps it was customized? I am having a reel hard time finding reward glass and strips. Any thoughts?
2. I saw that part of the mech is disabled by what looks like 50year old wire. All the associated parts are there. After researching this disables the Check Detection Operating System. What is the purpose of this and why would it be disabled?

I appreciate your help.


Thanks
TJ

[watlingboy]

Nice machine! Why are you looking to replace the award card and reel strips? They look very nice, the machine is worth more if left original as opposed to having replacements parts. Your machine was made post WWII.
George

[MONTI]

I agree with Watling Boy on all statements, very nice looking and looks to be all original from what is shown here and maintaining the originality keeps the value up on this particular model, more commonly referred to as a Sun Chief, Star Chief refers to the Award Payout symbols so it could go by either name for reference!
On the "50 year old wire" you mention a photo of it and where it is located would help on any further comments on the function thereof!
Very nice inheritance!
MONTI

[tjankovs]

Monti and waitingboy thanks for the complements! Yes the machine is in near perfect original condition. All parts seem original besides the line cord and the bulbs. I want to keep this in the family so I am trying capture any spare parts I might need in the future. I am attaching a pic of the wire that inhibits the Check Detection Operating System per the Geddes/Mead guide. They mention the mech but I am not sure what a 'check coin' is. I am not really sure what this function does and if I should restore it.

Thanks
TJ

[Swami]

I will state this as nicely as possible, you would be a fool to replace that award card or those reel strips. Star Chief’s we’re very common in Casino’s in the 1950’s. Genuine Casino slots are difficult to find and command a much higher price if left alone. You have a Great Original machine. Enjoy it as is.

Here’s a few Star Chief’s as a reference.

[tjankovs]

Swami...


Ah..that's where all the star chiefs are....your place! First time I saw the same payout card! So it looks like the San Souci did NOT pay for a custom reward card.