Is this a good buy? Mills $.25

[sftechgeek]

Looks like it's in great shape. Although it may have come from Vegas, there's no markings to indicate it was in any casino.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/283773368250?ul_noapp=true


I don't know, maybe the bug has bitten me since I just purchase my 2nd slot machine. Don't tell the wife. I currently have a Bally's Money Honey and a Game King. Thinking it would be neat to have a fully mechanical machine. Can anyone offer an opinion?


Thanks.

[JRT45]

PM Sent

[speedbump]

I would want to see it in person to confirm, but based on the the pictures this would appear to be a very good find.
I believe the machine to be in original, untouched condition, with little play based on:
The original hammertone paint appears to be in excellent condition.
While the machine has had use, there is minimal wear around the top of the machine, coin entry and raised portion of the machine (cherries).
The anti-cheating armor plate, counter, inspection sticker and serial number sticker all remain intact.
The serial number sticker appears to match the serial number stamped in the rear wooden base of the machine.

It is likely the machine was used in a minor casino. I say this for two reasons. First, Nevada Gaming Control has always mandated that slot machine jackpots be of a pre-specified amount.  This machine has a hand pay jackpot, where the attendant hand fills the jackpot with a specific number of coins to be paid in addition to the 20 coins that are dropped when the jackpot is hit.  This allows compliance with Nevada fixed jackpot rules.
The second issue deals with the stand.  The machine appears to come with a Mills Anti-theft stand (the lock from which seems to be missing). These light weight metal stands were hollow, allowing the owners to fill them with heavy sandbags.  The machine was then slid into the stand and locked in.  The combined weight of the machine, stand and sandbags was several hundred pounds, making it almost impossible for a thief to steal. This was not the kind of stand you would find in a casino as casinos would use wood with buckets underneath to catch the overflow of coins from constant play.  Stands of this nature would be found in places that are closed and unattended at night and subject to theft and burglary, such as fraternal organizations (Elks, Moose, VFW, laundromats, etc.).
As far as value is concerned (from the California market) the price they are asking is not a bargain, but it is not unreasonable either as a retail price.  Remember too, this guy is selling on eBay, which means between them and PayPal, the seller's $1,950 gets cut back to less than $1,500 after everyone gets their commissions.