Need info on identifying Mills Castle Reproductions

[susansez2luv@yahoo.com]

Hi,
My name is Randy, I just joined the forum and am looking for information on identifying mills castle reproductions. Maybe there's a good book out there? Also I need sources of auctions and dealers that sell them.
Thank you in advance
Randy

[watlingboy]

There are many signs and not all repros have all of them, some are better than others. First sign, look at the handle, most all repros use a Mills cast iron high top handle instead of the correct stamped steel handle. You will have to assume some of the responsibility yourself and familiarize yourself with what original machines look like. Silver reel strips, original machines never had them. Most but not all repros are quarter denomination. Handle pumps, most but not all repros have no handle pump. Most repros have castings which are nickel plated, original castings were never plated. The wood cabinet, many reproduction cabinets do not have the small nails in the front and rear edge of the cabinet but there are repros with them. Look for a sticker or placque that uses the words remanufactured or original with replacement parts as needed. You can be fairly sure that the only thing original on the machine are a few mech parts. If you find a machine that has one or more of the problems mentioned above, that does not mean it is a repro. It could be a poor restoration job but a red flag should go up and you should ask more questions and do more homework. I don't think many of the people who sold these originally represented them as originals. The problem occurs when they are resold and the current owner swears it is correct or knows and doesn't want to disclose the truth. Watlingboy

[Dave]

You can also goto my website (www.IBuyOldSlots.com) and click on the "How to Identify a Reproduction" link.

There are lots of photos and also a YouTube video.

Regarding auctions. I have seen them show up at virtually all auctions. eBay is the biggest place you need to be concerned with though.

If you are thinking about buying a machine, feel free to post a photo of it here. If it is an eBay listing just provide the listing number. People in this forum will be happy to give you their opinion.

The safest way though is to buy from a legitimate dealer or collector.

Dave