Mills Slot Machine Value

The Mills Novelty Company was founded in 1891 by Mortimer Mills in Chicago, Illinois. Mills was a leading U.S. Manufacturer of coin operated vending machines such as jukeboxes and slot machines. They launched the first upright cabinet slot machine, the Mills Owl, in 1897. They exhibited their machines at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where. Posts about Mills Slot Machine written by ShawnTurner.

This site chronicles my efforts at resurrecting, repairing and restoring an antique slot machine. The machine is a Mills High Top 777 Bell and dates to roughly 1949-1952. Although some of the information presented here will be specific to Mills High Tops, a lot of it will apply to antique slot machines made by Jennings, Watling or other manufacturers, or to different models of Mills machines like the half-tops, goosenecks and others.

The information presented here may prove helpful to collectors who are contemplating a restoration project of their own, but should not be taken as the last word on the subject. Any slot machine restoration project requires a lot of research, time and know-how, and no single reference can hope to provide every bit of knowledge necessary for a beginner to undertake a project of this scope. Likewise, some antique slot machines are very rare and valuable, and a poorly-done restoration can do irreparable harm to the machine and destroy a lot of monetary value.

The information contained herein is provided as-is and without warranty of any kind. Use it at your own risk. In other words, if you disassemble or destroy your antique slot machine and can’t get it back together, that’s your own fault… not mine That being said, working on antique slot machines is a lot of fun and not terribly difficult if you are patient, careful and inquisitive.

Still interested? If so, start reading here: In the Beginning

Do you have an old slot machine? Do you want one? If you do, it might be worth the search, as some can be worth quite a bit of money. Slot machines built after 1930 are considered contemporary. Anything older is considered antique. The antique slot machines tend to have original parts, as replacement parts weren’t common. The newer machines from 1930 on, have more than likely been tinkered with and might have replacement parts. In the antique world, the more original parts and features, the better. Here are some tips to consider prior to purchasing one.

If you are interested in investing in an antique machine, look for one in original condition. Something relatively untouched or in mint condition is rare, however, they do exist. Once a slot machine has been restored, the value of the machine decreases. If you find slot machine from the 1930s or 1940s for less than $3,000, the chances are good it has been restored.

Now if money is no object, you may want to consider purchasing an 1899 Mills five-cent antique slot machine. This machine, in original, mint condition would sell for anywhere from $16,000 to $19,000. If money really isn’t an option, a Caille Brothers Peerless 5 Cent floor roulette slot realized $300,000 at auction.

If you are interested in something a little less pricey, there is the antique Owl Slot machine from the Mills Novelty Company that sells for roughly $15,750. This free-standing, fully functional slot machine has a carved solid oak frame, ball and claw feet, and gorgeous metal housings. These machines are highly sought after.

If you are looking to purchase a wood machine, make sure to inspect for damage. The first wooden machines appeared on the market around 1906. The prices are as high as $19,000. Gaming experts and slot machine collectors agree that these machines are worth collecting, as they will only gain in value as time passes.

There is a booming trade in antique slots. Motivated collectors are scouring this niche market looking for original machines, and anything that can be brought up to snuff. A restored slot machine can still fetch good money. There are highly skilled technicians that can restore your find.

The following are fine examples of antique slot machines

• Ten Cent Harrah’s Club Pace Four Reel (1950)
• Ten cent Mills Blue Bell (1948)
• Mills Diamond Front (1941)
• Five cent Mills Black Cherry (1947)
• Super Deluxe Club Chief Jennings (1946)
• Mills Bursting Cherry
• Five cent Watling Treasury (1933)
• 25 cent Watling Coin Front (1935)
• Mills Hi-Top
• Five cent Mills Roman Head (1938)

Mills Slot Machine For Sale Uk

The price of an antique machine can be as high as $300,000 or as low as $1000. Whether you are looking to make an investment, find the holy grail, or a machine to match your decor, the market is strong, vibrant, and accessible.

Mills Slot Machine Values For Sale

Check out the history of slot machines in our article here.