MILHOUS COLLECTION SLOT MACHINES

Dave Bowers forwarded a copy of our last issue to folks at RM Auctions, to let them know about our story on their upcoming auction of the Milhous collection. It's true - Dave knows everyone. In fact, the musical part of this sale was cataloged by Dave and Arthur Reblitz of Colorado Springs.

Anyway, Kat McFadden wrote back providing some more information on the sale. No coins or direct numismatic items, but lots of great musical instruments, antiques and collectibles. -Editor

This is a huge, unprecedented event! More than just a few numismatists over the years have built important collections of automatic musical instruments-in our own era Ken Goldman's and Mark Yaffe's interest is well known, the late Jerry Cohen had a marvelous collection, and, among others, Alden Scott Boyer, ANA president in the early 1930s, built a museum showcasing them.

Many thanks for your support of the Milhous Collection so far, it is very much appreciated. With the sale quickly approaching, only 2 weeks away, I thought your readers might be interested in a few highlights of the slot machines.

With more than 15 slot machines, from 25 cent, dime and nickel slots to cigaroller pack dispensers, there are many rare and highly collectible items to be found within the offering. A highlight of the selection includes a rare and desirable Bally Reliance Five-Cent Dice Machine featuring a dual set of coin-activated dice with payouts equivalent to Craps and the original directions mounted to the inside (Est. $10,000 - $14,000). With a number of items from the Mills Corporation, highlights include two stand alone models, a Mills "Dewey" Musical Nickel Slot Machine (Est. $16,000 - $24,000) and a Mills "Dewey" Nickel Slot Machine (Est. $10,000 - $17,000) both in excellent condition.

Additional highlights include:

Rol-a-Top "Bird of Paradise" Penny Slot Machine in very good overall condition (Est. $5,000 - $7,500);
A very rare and highly original Jennings Cigaroller Pack Dispenser (Est. $7,000 - $10,000);
Walting Rol-a-Top Dime Slot Machine and Base with original cabinet featuring authentic Walting stickers (Est. $2,800 - $3,200); and
A c. 1931 Mills "War Bird" Nickle Slot Machine representing highly prized example finished in classic yellow, red and black color theme (Est. $1,500 - $1,800).

Additional information about the Milhous Collection is available at the following link: www.rmauctions.com/PressRelease.cfm?PressID=816

A copy of the digital catalogue is also available online: www.rmauctions.com/milhous-collection.cfm?section=DigitalCatalog