- Coin-in-the-slot Machines 1890 Musical Instrument
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1990s: The Online Revolution
COIN OPERATED MACHINES. Here's what's happening today to the world of coin operated machines. Periodically, we'll post short articles on coin machine trends and intriguing new products. You will be amazed at the extent to which today's coin machine operators mimic the past. You may even get ideas on what to buy for your gameroom. Proprietor, Fredric Mergenthaler, to demonstrate the music machine in the restaurant. The machine, an “Edison Class M Electric Phonograph” with oak cabinet, had been fitted locally in San Francisco with a coin mechanism invented and soon patented by Louis T. Glass and William S. In 1890 the patents.
WMS Industries Inc. had been hovering around the slot machine industry for a few years, but by the 1990s they had grasped the video slot revolution by the horns.
WMS developed its first video slot with a second screen bonus. Reel 'Em In featured a fishing theme where players were able to trigger a Pick'em style bonus game. It paved the way for second screen bonuses like free spins for years to come.
A speedier and cheaper internet allowed online gambling manufacturers to start developing slots that could be played at home. Microgaming had already been operating an online casino since 1994 but launched Cash Splash in 1998, one of the world's first ever online progressive jackpot slots.
As broadband speeds and operating systems improved, the number of developers grew. Major players like NetEnt, Playtech, and Play'n GO all started up operations in the 1990s and continue to innovate and expand. Online games became slicker and became available to play through both download clients and via web browsers.
Up-And-Coming Canadian Firm Has Full Slate Of Sales On Calendar
The event, officially titled a Music Machines, Coin-Op & Advertising Auction, was led by the outstanding lifetime collections of Ken Vinen and Jack Winkler and also featured general store items, petroliana (gas station collectibles), breweriana and automobilia. A total of 624 lots came up for bid, many of them with roots in Canada, in an auction that grossed more than $389,000.
The Seeburg G Orchestrion was a coin-operated masterpiece, outfitted with original and replica components. It had actually been professionally modified from a Seeburg style A but retained the correct torch mosaic leaded art glass doors. The machine, impressive at 66 inches tall by 79 inches wide, was from the Ken Vinen collection and included 13 G music rolls.
The 27-inch Orchestral Regina upright music box, with 29 discs, was another coin-op marvel. Like so many music machines from the era, it was originally rented as a coin-consuming investment to shrewd bar owners. Aside from a being a money-maker, it provided fun entertainment, a sure way to divert thirsty patrons from neighboring establishments.
The George Baker & Company cylinder music box, made in Switzerland in 1922, was a rare variant, featuring the sublime harmony of a drum with six bells. Originally built with five 8-tune cylinders, the machine was lovingly restored by Darren Wallace in 2017 and maintained by Ken Vinen until his death in 2019. Included were five 8-tune cylinders.
Quality, fresh to the market collections are always well-received among our buyers, said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, adding, Ken Vinens music machines sold like hot cakes. Originality and functionality meant a lot to Ken, and this was evident in the prices realized. The phone was ringing all week. Nobody wanted to miss this opportunity. It was a great auction.
While the list of top lots was loaded with music machines, it was actually an eclectic sale, with items ranging from a Canadian Goold high-wheel bicycle from around 1890, the front wheel 54 inches in diameter to the handlebars ($3,245); to an American-made early 20th century Holcomb & Hoke Butter-Kist popcorn machine in a walnut case ($3,835); to an adorable 1940s Addison model A2 Baby Bakelite radio made in Canada ($4,425).
Following are additional highlights from the online-only auction, which had a live video feed. Internet bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and the Miller & Miller website (www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com). The 422 users placed a total of 8,162 bids; 47 percent of lots met or exceeded estimates, and 32 percent of lots surpassed the high estimate.
The name Wurlitzer was called multiple times during the auction. A few lots sold as follows. A Wurlitzer Model 1015 jukebox, made in 1946, with a curated library of rock n roll 78 rpm records (the Wurlitzer 1015 is the most identifiable jukebox ever made) went for ($11,210). A Wurlitzer model 750 jukebox made in 1940, coin-operated and featuring a bear claw pickup, also with a library of 78 rpm records as shown on title cards sold for $8,850. A Wurlitzer 1015-CD One More Time jukebox, made in Germany around 1900, a version of the famous model 1015 and retrofitted to hold up to 100 CD discs, sold for $4,425.
Coin-in-the-slot Machines 1890 Musical Instrument
A rare, two-sided Ford porcelain hanging dealer sign, made for the Canadian market in the 1930s, untouched and original, 27.5-by-18 inches, changed hands for $3,540, while an American two-sided porcelain neon sign for General Electric from the 1950s, sizable at 56-by-50 inches, marked Kolux Corp., Kokomo, Indiana lower right edge, hit $3,245.Coin Slot Art
Two music machines brought $3,540 each. One was a J.P. Seeburg model L Nickelodeon and remote coin box, American-made in the 1920s, in a quarter-sawn oak case with leaded glass panels. The other was a 1920s American Edison Opera phonograph, original and untouched, the cabinet retaining its original finish and hardware. Included in the lot were 10 four-minute cylinders.Miller & Miller has announced an exciting refresh to its online platform. Theres no learning curve or major changes, Ethan Miller pointed out. This update will simply present users with an improved experience as they navigate our online auctions. Were continually investing in our digital platform to provide quality service and capability to enhance the overall user experience.
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To find out more, call either 519-573-3710 or 519-716-5606 or visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.