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After reading some of the posts regarding ebay, repros, and the like, its hard for a newbie like myself to think its possible to actually buy a slot without being taken advantage of. I found this site - http://eagled.com/antiques.htm and was rather surprised at the number of "vintage" "reconditioned" Gold Nuggets available. Now I'm convinced that they are nothing of the sort. Am I correct? Does anyone have any opinions about the machines being sold at the Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine, and Juke Box Show? Are there certain reputable dealers I could look for? Thanks. Tom

tmhatting wrote:After reading some of the posts regarding ebay, repros, and the like, its hard for a newbie like myself to think its possible to actually buy a slot without being taken advantage of. I found this site - http://eagled.com/antiques.htm and was rather surprised at the number of "vintage" "reconditioned" Gold Nuggets available. Now I'm convinced that they are nothing of the sort. Am I correct? Does anyone have any opinions about the machines being sold at the Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine, and Juke Box Show? Are there certain reputable dealers I could look for? Thanks. Tom

I am working on an article which discusses reproduction machines.

If you want to get a preview then go to http://www.ibuyoldslots.com/ReproArticle.html

Isn't it interesting that the only machines Eagle is selling are the ones that have been reproduced??? I wonder why they are not selling anything else .

Regarding Chicago, it has been many years since I have been there.

The last time I was there I saw lots of original machines and lots of reproductions. Most of the reproductions were isolated to a couple of booths. I think if you ask the owner what parts of the machine are not original they will tell you. If they hesitate at all I would walk away. If you see a booth with multiple Golden Nugget machines then it is a good bet the guy is selling reproduction machines.

Regarding reputable dealers at Chicago, I would look for Alan Sax. I have never seen a reproduction in his booth.

Bob Levy, who does not sell at Chicago, is also a reputable dealer. Don Creekmore (who also does not sell at Chicago) of Nations Attic also does not sell reproduction machines.

If you are a dealer and do not sell reproduction machines feel free to chime in and introduce yourself.

Dave

Ten years ago when I started to collect vintage slot machines, I purchased several machines from the Eagle distributing website. The machines were actually from Mr. Zygmunt. The two that I bought were original and not repro. machines. They may be selling Royal Bell, LTD. and other remanufactured machines now.

Finally someone has listed a real Golden Nugget machine. Yes, they really do exist. Everyone save the picture and notice the differences such as the large one piece coin tray. They also have formica cabinets over plywood as I recall. This is correct and original. The original Nugget Extrabells also had Formica cabinets. Slots2die4bob has this for sale on Ebay now.

Watlingboy

Regarding the Chicagoland show and reproduction machines. Tom Krahl sells reproduction machines. Tom does not try to deceive anyone. He makes it very clear that the machine is a reproduction. I have seen a couple of sellers at the show try to deceive buyers.

If someone wants a original slot Frank Zygmunt & Alan Sax are the ones to buy from. I have been to Alans showroom in Long Grove, Il. Alan has a wide selection of machines & repairs are available.

watlingboy wrote:Finally someone has listed a real Golden Nugget machine. Yes, they really do exist. Everyone save the picture and notice the differences such as the large one piece coin tray. They also have formica cabinets over plywood as I recall. This is correct and original. The original Nugget Extrabells also had Formica cabinets. Slots2die4bob has this for sale on Ebay now.

Watlingboy

The item # of the original Golden Nugget is 300024826867 and you can go to http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0024826867 to see it.

Regarding Eagle Distributing, here is what they say about their 'antique' machines:

The antique slot machines that we sell have been rebuilt using original parts as well remanufactured parts. Because of their age and parts scarcity it is not possible for us to guarantee which parts are original or how many parts are reproduced. However, to purchase an actual 100% original antique slot machines is difficult to find and can cause future problems. Many of the mechanical parts are worn and don't work as precision as they once did. This is why we choose to sell a machine that can actually be enjoyed for years to come. This is why we choose to let our customers know their background and exactly what they are buying. Many slot machine dealers may not do this with fear that it may scare off potential sales. Many buyers would not know the difference, but we tell you up- front. By purchasing machines such as ours, you are able to get a "like new" looking and playable machine. Please note: We cannot guarantee which components are original on the slot machines.

What a bunch of crap !

So let me understand this because I'm relatively new at collecting. The cabinet and castings wear out so they must be replaced with a reproduction. Now I get it.

Watlingboy

In another section of their web page they state:

Our slot machine function just as they did when they were originally made.

You may have seen other companies selling machines using only a very small percentage of original parts.

First of all, I highly doubt their machines have the check detection hardware in them so the first statement is false.

The second statement is just stupid since they don't say how much of their machines are original.

Dave I have a reproduction War Eagle that I bought from Tom. All of the castings are made new at a foundry in Chicago. The mechanism in my opinion is also new. As far as old maybe it is the person that put the new parts together.