NO MORE SLOT MACHINES ON EBAY!

[777]

The reproductions don't carry any of the qualities that I have mentioned above, no ghosts in the machines.

I think we all are enjoying a very unique hobby or profession as in some cases.

My too bits to this discussion.

Very well put rogers1313. I also love to hear the history behind machines, whether they are mine or someone elses.

No way a reproduction has the "personality" of a real antique.

[777]

I don't know where 777 heard a collector could buy a reproduction War Eagle from Royal Bell and/or the other people selling these reproduction machines for $900.00, but I think I am starting to see the problem. This guy reminds me of some of my discussions with my late father. Even if he did not have his facts straight or have any clue about what he was talking about, that did not stop him from voicing his opinion. I finally realized that we weren't "talking" about the way things actually were, but the way he thought they should be.

Ric:

You need to calm down, this is a lively discussion but no need to get your underwear in a wad.

So let's talk facts:

Fact #1. In your description of how Royal Bell markets their reproduction machines, how many times did they use the word "reproduction"? ZERO! It is obvious what they are doing to people in the know (i.e., collectors) but NOT to the average Joe out on the street wanting a machine. If they are so honest, why don't they say up front that the machines are brand new reproductions?

Fact #2. The Royal Bell Description says it is made by "MILLS BELL-O-MATIC" in the Royal Bell Ltd facility. In my opinion, that sure implies it is a Mills Machine.

Fact #3. Once I was in Denver and I visited the Royal Bell store and also visited their booth in Chicago a few years later. They did not know I was a collector and did their best, using vague wording to make me think they were selling restored original machines.

Fact #4. I know a guy who used to sell some reproduction machines. I asked him how much he paid. He said $900. He also said he thought any collector could get them at the wholesale price if they contacted the company making them (he was not getting them from Royal Bell). He didn't know of any individual collectors who had though, and I sure have had no desire to. So, I never contacted Royal Bell, or the guy in Wisconsin who was supplying him. In addition. I never asked to see an actual invoice, so he might have been lying to me (but I don't think so, and why would he anyway?). Since you imply I don't know what I am talking about, you must know the people making the reproduction machines and what it takes to be one of their buyers and the price they charge. Please enlighten the rest of us. If you don't know, then what right do you have saying that I don't know what I am talking about?

Fact #5. You said $1,108 vs. $2,420 is a relative bargain. I suppose that is true if one were buying the machine from Royal Bell. However, you can buy one, any day of the week, from the clowns in Ohio for $1,750. In addition, why would anyone in their right mind pay $2,420 for a reproduction when they could probably find a legitimate War Eagle for close to that price? In addition, if someone were selling dog shit on E-Bay for $100 a pound and someone else was selling it for $25 a pound, that would make the $25 a pound dog shit a relative bargain. However, you are still getting dog shit . At least in this case, the buyer knows exactly what he is getting (unless it is advertised as doberman shit and it is really poodle shit ).

How much do you think the clowns in Ohio are paying for their machines? If they are selling them for $1,750, I'll bet it is under $1,000. I don't think they sell that many and I think they would need to make at least $700 per machine sold to make it worth their while. I don't know what business you are in, but if you have ever been involved in the retail business you should know how much stores mark stuff up. Especially for high priced items that do not sell that often.

Now, here is some conjecture. I don't think Royal Bell sells that many machines to the general public. I think their main business is supplying all the shops in Vegas, and other towns with a casino with their War Eagle & Golden Nugget machines and anyone else who wants to sell them.
You said you would be interested if you could purchase reproduction machines for $900. If you could would you?? Why? In my opinion, I would rather take that $900 and buy something else. But that is my opinion, if you want to purchase reproduction machines then that is OK with me.

You said I don't have my facts straight. Please specify which fact I have ever stated that is not correct. My posts have had both facts and opinions. My opinions may be different than yours, but my facts are straight. It is my opinion that you have a hard time differntiating opinions from facts. If I do have a fact wrong PLEASE let me know what is wrong and be able to back it up

Finally, everyone has their own opinion and thoughts. My personal opinion is that the reproduction machines have not helped the hobby. My opinion is that they have hurt the hobby. However, that is just MY opinion. You obviously disagree and that is perfectly fine. It is my opinion that ANY price is too much to pay for a reproduction machine. However, my opinion does not invalidate yours (or anyone elses) and your opinion does not invalidate mine (or anyone elses).

It is my opinion that it is a real shame that Mills is still not in business. It is my opinion that if they were they would shut down the people who are making the reproductions in a heartbeat. Afterall, look what Coca-Cola and Disney do to people who are making reproduction Coca-Cola and Disney stuff.

[Ric Gandy]

777 - This is one "lively discussion" you are going to have to have by yourself. I have had enough of it. You are entitled to your opinions. I just don't have to listen to any more of them.

This discussion started with reproduction machines on eBay and went downhill from there. You don't know the girl who was trying to sell her grandfather's War Eagle, but that did not keep you from running your mouth about what she knew and did not know, etc.. It should be pretty clear to anyone who bothered to look at her two auctions that she was trying to be as forthcoming as she could be under the circumstances. If she knew that her grandfather's War Eagle wasn't "right" and was trying to pull a fast one, she would have never posted the questions and answers to her descriptions the way she did. I for one believe her story about her grandfather and uncle buying the two machines in 1960. I wasn't there and I don't have a crystal ball, but I did take the time to email her and base my opinion on her responses and everything else that went down. IF the machiner was bought in 1960 as claimed, it is at least 44 years old and she has a right to sell it on eBay, reproduction or not. There is a big difference between her auction and the auctions "slotmachinesusa" out of Ohio has been running.

I don't think Bill Harris or his wife would appreciate your comments about their company and their machines, but someone else is going to have to tell them about them. I realize you probably don't even know who these people are, but I will assure you that they have both been involved in the coin op business and hobby for a long time and have contributed a lot more to both than you have. Once again, there is a big difference between Bill Harris and Royal Bell and the guy with slotmachinesusa out of Ohio and anyone who knows anything about the coin op business and hobby should know that.

Finally, you are the one who labeled anyone who would buy the girl's War Eagle or any reproduction slot machine for that matter a "sucker" and impuned their motives for doing so. Well, the high bidder "krusty48" responded and said he knew exactly what he was buying and said what he planned on doing with it was none of your damn business. I agree. You said no true "collector" would own a reproduction. Wrong again. More than one collector responded and said they owned and liked their reproduction machines. Chalk it up to different strokes for different folks.

I could go on, but what's the point? This has become exactly like some of those conversations with my father. No matter what I or anyone else may say, you will always have a come back and something else to say. It never stops. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I respect that. My opinions are based on experience and fact. I am not exactly sure what your opinions are based on. You are entitled to them. I just don't have to listen to them any more. You may have the final word. Take care. Ric Gandy

[777]

This discussion started with reproduction machines on eBay and went downhill from there. You don't know the girl who was trying to sell her grandfather's War Eagle, but that did not keep you from running your mouth about what she knew and did not know, etc.. It should be pretty clear to anyone who bothered to look at her two auctions that she was trying to be as forthcoming as she could be under the circumstances. If she knew that her grandfather's War Eagle wasn't "right" and was trying to pull a fast one, she would have never posted the questions and answers to her descriptions the way she did. I for one believe her story about her grandfather and uncle buying the two machines in 1960. I wasn't there and I don't have a crystal ball, but I did take the time to email her and base my opinion on her responses and everything else that went down. IF the machiner was bought in 1960 as claimed, it is at least 44 years old and she has a right to sell it on eBay, reproduction or not. There is a big difference between her auction and the auctions "slotmachinesusa" out of Ohio has been running.



I agree that she has the right to sell it (and anything else) on E-Bay. Based on how the first auction ended, I don't think she is as being as honest as you think she is. Again, see my "duck" subject.



I don't think Bill Harris or his wife would appreciate your comments about their company and their machines, but someone else is going to have to tell them about them. I realize you probably don't even know who these people are, but I will assure you that they have both been involved in the coin op business and hobby for a long time and have contributed a lot more to both than you have. Once again, there is a big difference between Bill Harris and Royal Bell and the guy with slotmachinesusa out of Ohio and anyone who knows anything about the coin op business and hobby should know that.



Why would I care what they think? You didn't answer the "FACTS" I mentioned in my earlier thread. Harris and his wife might be the greatest people in the world. However, it is my opinion, that their company, and other's like them, are flooding the market with reproduction machines. Since I doubt I will ever do business with them, I really don't care what they think.



Finally, you are the one who labeled anyone who would buy the girl's War Eagle or any reproduction slot machine for that matter a "sucker" and impuned their motives for doing so. Well, the high bidder "krusty48" responded and said he knew exactly what he was buying and said what he planned on doing with it was none of your damn business. I agree. You said no true "collector" would own a reproduction. Wrong again. More than one collector responded and said they owned and liked their reproduction machines. Chalk it up to different strokes for different folks.



Yes, it was my OPINION that a true collector would never buy a reproduction. I still don't understand why one would, but I guess there are some out there that do it. However, I think the collectors who do knowingly buy reproduction machines are in the minority. But that is just my opinion. If you want to pay "tit for tat" more than one collector responded to my threads agreeing with my ponit of view.



I could go on, but what's the point? This has become exactly like some of those conversations with my father. No matter what I or anyone else may say, you will always have a come back and something else to say. It never stops. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I respect that. My opinions are based on experience and fact. I am not exactly sure what your opinions are based on. You are entitled to them. I just don't have to listen to them any more. You may have the final word. Take care. Ric Gandy


You never did say what facts I had wrong. We simply have a difference of opinion on how the War Eagle was promoted no E-Bay and reproduction machines in general. I think I know why the discussions with your father were so difficult. They were based on emotion and not facts.

[777]

I just started a new thread in the "Just Chatting" area of this forum.

It has a poll which asks how many reproduction slots you own (or if you would ever be willing to own one).

If you are a collector, please go there and answer the question. I am now really curious as to how many people own reproduction machines.

I am not quite sure how this poll thing works, but it looks like you are shown the results once you vote and it looks like you can only vote once and your id is not revealed.

The thread is at http://ibuyoldslots.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82

[mdeane]

Hello, i am new to this and hope my question is not out of line. i am looking for a reproduction slot machine, i cant afford the real thing and just want something that will look good in our home and work. i have been searching and all i see are high priced reproductions (based on your information) and high priced antiques. where would i find a reproduction to fit my budget say $500 or is this unreasonable. thank you

[TheFatman]

Good Luck finding one for that price ..

[Dave]

Most people who buy reproduction machines paid a lot more than $500 and didn't realize they were fakes when they bought them.

Human nature being what it is, most people do not want to sell stuff at a big loss.

I don't think you will find one for $500. Plus, the people who do sell the reproductions would pay more than $500 because they know they can sell them for more than that by lying to people and telling them they are legitimate machines.

[marsonion]

As others have pointed out, a repro is rarely a more affordable option for a novice collector. Ironically, glossy reproduction machines are usually more expensive than the genuine, warts-and-all antique. Personally, I'd suggest you take a second look at some of the salvageable junkers out there: one of my most recent purchases cost me only $560.00, and it sure needed some work and care (as in, it was a seized-solid rustbucket!) but it cleaned and polished really beautifully and runs absolutely perfectly now, and I have very good evidence it could now easily be sold for three times what I paid for it... if I cared to sell it. I can't sell it, though, because I love it. Same with another item I started out with years ago, another rust-and-spider-infested clunker from the mid-'30s that I picked up for $200. You get to know them, inside and out, and then it's hard to let go of them.

Someone on this thread from many years back posted something about the thrill of bringing these machines-- many of which haven't functioned for decades-- "back to life." That's it exactly, from my point of view. That feeling can be very satisfying, if not downright addictive...

Hello, i am new to this and hope my question is not out of line. i am looking for a reproduction slot machine, i cant afford the real thing and just want something that will look good in our home and work. i have been searching and all i see are high priced reproductions (based on your information) and high priced antiques. where would i find a reproduction to fit my budget say $500 or is this unreasonable. thank you

[mdeane]

Thank you for the replies and advice. I have been looking for a couple or months just didn't want to buy a machine needing work and have it end up in the garage for my lack of time. I like your reasoning and will begin looking for a fixer upper. Thank you again for the advice and your time.