Restoring Antique Slot Machines

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If you encounter parts that are bent inside of an antique slot machine, your first instinct may be to straighten them out immediately. This isn't always a good idea. Bending was a common and accepted adjustment in most antique slot machines. Until you are certain that a bend is causing you problems, you should probably leave it alone. Find 63 listings related to Vintage Slot Machine Restoration in Fort Lauderdale on YP.com. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Vintage Slot Machine Restoration locations in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My name is Richard Bright and I have been restoring antique slot machines for over 35 years, you could say I have repaired or restored at least 500 antique slot machines in my lifetime. As a Professional Firefighter ' Lieutenant' now 'Retired', I work twenty-four hour shifts, which has given me plenty of time to devote to restoring.

Some of the services and changes your slot machine endiures while it is with us:
  • Completely strip and polish castings to a mirror shine
  • Paint castings to match original paint scheme(or any scheme you wish)
  • Wood cabinet is disassembled, straitened, reassembled, stained and clear coated to match original
  • Rusty old cabinet bolts replaced with new
  • Complete disassembly, degrease, clean and reassembly of machanism
  • All springs tension tested and replaced if necessary
  • Nuts and bolts rethreaded or replaced where necessary(missing ones too!)
  • Mechanism is then greased, lubed balanced and tuned to play as smoothly as day one.

Because of the unique nature of these machines the cost of these services can and will only be quoted once a machine is in our shop. Below though you can find a basic outline for restorations, full and partial. Any Mills, Watling or Jennings mechanical slot machine should fit into this pricing scheme. Any other machines please contact us for an estimate. Use our contact form to request service.

Full Overhaul and Restoration (mechanism, cabinet and castings, the entire works!):
Basic price: $795.00 / Roll-a-Top: $850
each additional machine option (ie. future pay mech, mint vender, etc.): add $25.00

Internal Mechanism Restoration (everything inside the case):
Basic price: $450.00
each additional machine option (ie. future pay mech, etc.): add $25.00

External Restoration (case & castings):
Basic price: $475.00 / Roll-aTop $595.00
each additional machine option / extension (ie. horsehead bonus top, external mint vender etc.): add $50.00

**Replacement of major parts and plating of external parts will be extra and are quoted at time of restoration based upon market prices at the time.**

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.

Restoring Antique Slot Machines For Sale

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

Antique

Repair 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)

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.

Restoring Antique Slot Machines Machine

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