A stunning private collection of amusement machines could hit the jackpot at auction.
A West Midlands father and son have amassed a spectacular collection of 82 machines which date from the early days of the one-armed bandit’s invention in the 1890s through to the 1970s.
Restored to their original glory and in full working condition, the colourful feast of machines could achieve thousands under the hammer on May 30 – and take people on a nostalgic seaside trip to childhood joy.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “There are few people who don’t adore a dabble on the slot machines. They remind us of sunny day trips to the coast with mums, dads, grandmas and grandads and a feast of treats that inspire nostalgia forever.
“As a child your heart sang when a bag of all-important small change – coins to feed into slot machines – were plucked from handbags. They’d be dished into eager hands as the vibrant mix of whirring machines and the chink-chink of a win sparked huge excitement.
“Everyone tried their luck, hoping for the jackpot. But even if you won a few rounds on the one-armed bandit you’d end up penniless. The fun never ended until you’d fed in that last coin. They’re not called ‘bandits’ for nothing. The name refers to how addictive the machines are, or how they steal all of your money as you keep trying to win.
“The first one-armed bandit appeared in San Francisco, USA, in 1895 thanks to inventor Charles August Fey. More than 100 years later they are still in hot demand. And I’d say few people have loved them more than the father and son whose extraordinary collection is set for auction. It’s glorious.
“Their story began in 1990 when a 15-year-old lad set his heart on having a one-armed bandit. He’d always loved seaside arcades and wanted a machine to call his own. An advert in Exchange and Mart paved the way to the purchase of a Mills Bell-O-Matic Spanish Gold 1961 one-armed bandit. It looked splendid but there was a problem – it didn’t work!
“They returned it to the seller who tinkered about with a hammer to no avail. Undaunted, the pair took matters into their own hands. They stripped Spanish Gold back to basics and learned, on the hoof, how to mend the internal mechanisms of an amusement arcade classic.
“It was the start of a passion which has created a museum-worthy collection documenting the history of the machines through the decades. They loved the restoration process and the achievement when the machines swung back into life. Over time, a wonderful mix of machines in every shape and colour imaginable were sourced and brought back to the Midlands for rejuvenation.
“Smothered with love, every machine gleams as if made yesterday. And yet the oldest was patented in 1898 while the youngest was made in the early 1970s.
“Spanish Gold could be yours for £400-£600 but you will need deeper pockets to afford the oldest and most valuable example. Lot 36 is a Mills Novelty Company Dewey 1898 floor roulette machine and its estimate is £15,000-£20,000.
“The Mills Dewey was manufactured between 1898 and 1930, taking us back to the decade when the one-armed bandit was invented. This machine was named in honour of Admiral Dewey, hero of the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
“Many floor machines come with a music box which plays when the large roulette is spun, however this one has had the music box removed. Other manufacturers including Caille and Watling made grand floor machines at this time and, along with Mills, were described as ‘the fabulous three’. Restored in all its glory, it’s a joy to behold. It was imported from America. I suspect nostalgia may spark its return there.
“Another fabulous offering is lot 48, a Watling Manufacturing Company Rol-a-Top (Bird of Paradise) 1936 one-armed bandit. The Bird of Paradise with its feast of colourful fruit on the front casting is regarded as the finest of slot machines.
“Watling manufactured nearly 35,000 between 1935 and 1950. Others in the series include The Cherry Front and The Checkerboard. The Bird of Paradise comes complete with original special award gold coins, estimate £3,000-£4,000.
“Another star of the slot machine show is Lot 17, a Bryans Works Quadmatic demonstration machine. It has a tower housing four Bullions, ‘Allwins’, or clocks, in any combination desired. This example was the first prototype Quadmatic made for the 1961 Amusement Exhibition in London. It could be yours for £7,000-£8,000.
“If it’s way beyond your budget don’t despair. More affordable offerings include lot 2, a Jubilee Products Jubilee Riviera Freaky Fruits 1969 one-armed bandit, estimate £400-£600. Manufactured in London by Jubilee Products, its cheat-proof characteristics made it a very successful British gaming machine. In fact, models can still be found in UK arcades today.”
The Amusement Machines Auction will be held on May 30 at Hansons Auctioneers. Viewing by appointment off-site in the Midlands. To book, call 01283 733988.
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To find out more, or to have your antiques assessed, please call 01283 733988 or email [email protected]
