Review,The,Antique,Slot,Machin sports A Review Of The Antique Slot Machine

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Like any other avocation or hobby, collecting antique slot machines is largely a labor of love. No, there isn't a lot of money in it, and other hobbies, like art collecting or stamps, are undoubtedly more profitable and prestigious. But for those who fall in love with the one-armed bandit, there really is no substitute.The History of Slot MachinesFor those of you who are merely curious and don't know the story of the slot machine in America, we are going to give you a brief tutorial. The slot machine was invented in 1895 by a mechanic from San Francisco by the name of Charles Fey. Few people know what inspired the industrious Mr. Fey to invent an entertainment machine when his business was the internal combustion engine, but nevertheless, he did!His first and undeniably most popular effort was the Liberty Bell Slot Machine. It was a nickel slot that had three spinning wheels, each of them adorned with hearts, spades, diamonds, as well as the image of a cracked liberty bell. When identical suits or bells lined up, the player would win a small prize. Although it was nothing like the jackpots we know today. In fact, you couldn't even call the top prize a jackpot with a straight face, as it was only fifty cents!Even so, the machine was an instant success and Fey was able to quit his job and devote himself to making slot machines full time. Still, Fey was not able to keep up with increased demand as it seemed every bar and saloon in the area, and later the state, just had to get their hands on one of his machines.Demand was so high for a time that Fey was able to negotiate an unheard of 50/50 split of all profits from bar owners who were renting his machines. Yes, renting. He did not allow establishments to purchase his devices, since then they would be able to keep all of the profits. It was a hard pill to swallow for local business owners, but since Fey was the only game in town, they could either take it or leave it. More often than not, they took it.  After several years of solo success, Fey was besieged by repeated licensing and manufacturing offers from businesses who wanted to produce their own versions of his famous machine. Time and time again he refused them, until finally a competitor by the name of Herbert Mills decided there was nothing stopping him from making his own machine. Shortly thereafter, Mills offered his own machine, which eventually became the most famous version, as he substituted images of fruit (oranges, cherries, lemons) for card suits and Liberty Bells.Antique Slot MachinesThere are collectors for everything, why not for slot machines? No, we're not being facetious. In fact, slot machines make extremely interesting pieces because they are both decorative and functional. That's right! An antique slot machine in mint condition or even in fine condition will most assuredly work. Of course, you'll have to use quarters instead of nickels, but that no major hardship.Who buys them? You don't have to be a slot machine connoisseur to like the look an antique slot machine. In fact, many buyers are businessmen who are either interested in the history of the device or simply think an antique slot machine might make a nice addition to their office.  Other, more serious collectors have been known to devote entire rooms in their homes' to slot machines. While they may call them game or billiard rooms, the slot machine is undoubtedly the star attraction.Lastly, there are slot machine dealers, people who have spent their entire lives tracking down the rarest and most sought after models. While most dealers do indeed turn a small profit, they are normally only collectors at heart as they often have an antique slot machine or two that they would never dream of selling, for any price.What to look for in an antique slot machine? To begin with, you must make sure that the machine has been professionally appraised and that it is 100% original. Some dealers may try to avoid showing you documentation (probably because they don't have it) and if they do, you should head for the nearest exit.The reason that we are so untrusting is due to the simple fact that there is a lot of fraud in the antique slot machine market. Believe it or not, even reputable dealers will offer reproductions or reconditioned units for sale. While a reproduction is easy enough to spot, a reconditioned or remanufactured unit can be difficult.What are they? Well, basically, they are slot machines that incorporate some original parts with some new ones. An apt analogy would be dinosaur bones. Yes, dinosaur bones! That is, when they do not have the all the original bones, often they'll replace them will fakes.As you might expect, these units are at best over-priced, at worst, blatant (yet undisclosed) thievery. That is why it is essential that buyers demand a certificate of authenticity. Honestly, we'll say it again...do not purchase an antique machine without a certificate of authenticity!  If you are unfortunate or ill informed enough to purchase a reconditioned or remanufactured unit, in all likelihood you will have just blown a few thousand dollars! Though the unit may be aesthetically appealing and may be the perfect decorative piece for your home, office, or game room, the chances that you will ever recoup your initial investment are slim and none.How important is investment? Well, as we said, an antique slot machine is not nearly as rare as an original oil painting, sculpture, or design.  After all, they are just machines. But the value of any investment is based on more than just fashion. Ordinarily, it has to do with simple economic standards like supply and demand. Some antique slot machines are extremely hard to come by, but still collectors want them.