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How to Identify My Mills Novelty Vintage Quarter Slot Machine

Mills Novelty Company started manufacturing arcade and gambling games, automated music playing instruments, slot machines and vending machines in 1890. During the next six decades, the company became the world's largest manufacturer of coin-operated machines, and these products are highly sought after by collectors today. While the company has not produced machines since the mid-1900s, it still exists as a restorer of antique Mills violano instruments, which are automated violin and piano machines.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the machine carefully. It will probably have the "Mills" name cast into its structure, and you may find labels or plates on the back or under the machine displaying the distinctive owl logo and specific model name or number. The condition, sophistication of colors, design and materials will also help date the machine.
- 2
  Register as an "Advanced Collector" at Mills Novelty Company's website. This will give you access to technical information about the company's vintage machines and useful buying and selling information. It will also provide a venue for you to sell your slot machine to Mills collectors should it prove to be authentic.
- 3
  Review copies of the company's product catalogs which are available in the online archives of the company's website. You will see full-color pictures and descriptions of the products with which you can compare your machine.
- 4
  Obtain a copy of Peter Bach's "Collector's Treasury of Antique Slot Machines." This 480-page book will provide you with a wealth of information and pictures relating to the history of Mills Novelty Company slot machines and the production dates of the many different models. You should be able to find your model in this publication.

Antiques