Mills Slot Machine Value Guide

The Mills Novelty Company of Chicago defined the golden age of coin-op gaming with their iconic mechanical 'bell' machines. These 1945-1955 era slot machines are highly collectible for their intricate cast aluminum cases and the historical significance of their fruit-symbol reels, which originally circumvented gambling laws.

What Is Mills Slot Machine Worth?

The typical price range for Mills Slot Machine is $3,500 - $4,200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical condition: Machines in full working order with original internal steel and brass components command higher prices.
• Aesthetic preservation: The quality of the original gold and black paint and the lack of pitting in the chrome finishes.
• Originality: The presence of original locks, keys, and cash boxes significantly impacts the $3,500-$4,200 valuation.
• Reel condition: Clear, unfaded fruit symbols on the original paper or tin reels increase collector desirability.

How to Identify Mills Slot Machine?

• Check for the authentic Mills Novelty Company branding or the 'Owl' logo cast into the metal housing.
• Verify the presence of the original three-reel mechanism and the 10-cent coin entry slot.
• Examine the cast metal case for the specific gold and black decorative painted finishes characteristic of the post-war era.
• Look for the original payout table displaying classic symbols like cherries, plums, and bells.

History of Mills Slot Machine

The Mills Novelty Company, based in Chicago, was a prolific manufacturer of coin-operated machines, including phonographs, vending machines, and slots. This style of machine, often referred to as a 'bell' machine, rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. During periods of strict gambling regulation, manufacturers often utilized fruit symbols and promised payouts in the form of chewing gum or tokens to circumvent the law, which is how iconic symbols like cherries and plums became standard on these machines. Machines like this were staples in bars, clubs, and speakeasies across the United States.