The first Slot Machine as we know it today was invented in San
Francisco, California by Charles Fey in 1898 and although the Slot Machine has been with
us since the turn of the Century how much do we really know about it? On these pages you
will find the history of the Slot Machine and other coin operated
equipment along with other collectible gaming related items and some unusual tales. Many
of these books are an absolute must for collectors and dealers alike. The actual Slot
Machines can be found in our Hardware Store and in the Antique Slot Collectors Corner.
Don't forget to check out Slot Books Home Page for additional slot machine books and
information. (See Slot Books) 
BALLY SLOT MACHINES -Slot Books: Contains the history of the electromechanical along with photos of all important Bally machines from 1964-1980. 63 Pages, pb. (See Slot Books) or you can order here (please not both).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS & PARTS CATALOG FOR THE BALLY MODEL 742A SLOT MACHINE (50 Volts) - Originally published shortly after the booklet described above, this 32-page manual was designed as a follow-up companion-piece, as it assumed that anyone reading it had already read the earlier publication. This monograph covers all 50 Volt models of the MONEY HONEY, and includes a table of operational sequences, instructions for adjusting the hopper unit and safety timer motor, and reel assembly. There is a chart that lists wire colors and numbers and one for lubrication. This reprint measures 8 1/2" x 11", contains 32 pages and is saddle-stitched with our own durable, attractively-designed tan cover. BKS-100112 $6.95
OWNERS PICTORIAL GUIDE FOR THE MILLS BELL SLOT - Robert Geddes, Daniel Mead: This mammoth book is specifically directed to the owner of any full-size three-reel Mills bell machine manufactured after 1920, including the puzzling BONUS, NEW BONUS and FUTURITY models. However, the knowledge gained from this book will enable the reader to work on all previously manufactured Mills machines. Over 500 detailed photographs are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations as well as complete assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication and theory of operation. This enlarged third edition, now in its third printing, is organized into 14 chapters, with seven appendices for machine part variances, and an extensive glossary for parts identification. With this extraordinary book and a few simple tools, you will be able to analyze and correct any problem you may encounter with your Mills machine. The book contains 208 total pages, including an extensive table of contents and introductory material; it measures 8 3/8" x 10 7/8", and is square back perfect bound with attractive full-color, plastic coated soft cover. 208 Pages, BKS-130220 $39.95
SLOT MACHINES - Slot Books: A pictorial history of the first 100 years. 256 pages - (See Slot Books)
MACHINES OF YESTERYEAR WATLING: OPERATORS COMPANION - A primary reference source for today's vintage enthusiast. 190 Pages, pb. BKS-100280 $15.95
BALLY SLOT SERVICE MANUAL - Complete service manual for electromechanical 1964-1980. (See Slot Books)
SLOT MACHINES AND COIN-OP GAMES - Bill Kurtz: Spanning a century, the colorful and fast-changing worlds of the arcade and casino are vividly described in this fascinating history of coin-operated amusement games, from the penny arcade with its fortune-telling machines and strength-testers, Slot Machines and Coin-Op Games takes us through baseball machines, gun games, bowling machines, pinball games, slot machines and novelty arcade devices. Bursting with full-color and black and white photographs, this delightful booklet is fully indexed, measures 8 3/4" x 11 1/4", contains 128 pages and 120 full-color photographs, and is case bound with attractive, full-color, plastic-coated dust jacket. BKS-200731 $15.95
VINTAGE JUKEBOXES - Christopher Pearce: Traces the golden years of vintage jukeboxes. 129 Pages, HB. BKS-700323 $15.95
OWNER'S PICTORIAL GUIDE FOR THE CARE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE BALLY ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SLOT MACHINE - Robert Geddes/Daniel Mead: Although dealing with all models from M/742 through M/1206 manufactured from 1963 to 1981, this book specifically covers the four basic types of Bally machines: single coin, five coin multiplier, three-line and five-line-criss-cross. However, the knowledge gained from this book will enable the reader to work on a great many other Bally machines. Over 300 detailed schematics (printed on colored paper for ease in locating) for the four basic types are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations, as well as complete assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication and theory of operation. This book is organized into 17 chapters with six appendices. Methods used to calculate payout characteristics have been demonstrated, so the statistics of any machine can be computed by the reader. Additionally, there is a detailed lubrication guide specifying the precise location and type of lubricants required on the various assemblies. A comprehensive trouble-shooting guide is included for routine, easy-to-fix malfunctions. 223 Pages, pb. BKS-130440 $44.95
SLOTS - Win Cards. (8081) $1.50
BLUE BOOK of ANTIQUE SLOT MACHINES by Daniel R. Mead: The answers to all your Slot Machine pricing questions! The 1986-1987 edition of this invaluable price guide to collectible payout coin machines is an unparalleled combination of winning features, old and new. It represents a dramatic departure from all similar price guides of the past and is without question the price guide of choice for every appraisal need. All machines of all ages and composition are considered: from modern to antique; from un-repaired to wholly renovated; from original to otherwise. This is by far the most comprehensive price guide to slot machines to be found anywhere! This fantastic price guide is sized to carry, for purse or pocket, to use and refer to at a moment's notice. Whether on your way to show, auction or sale-to sell, buy or trade-you won't want to leave home without it. BKS-160028 NEW EDITION IN PRINTING, WILL BE RELEASED MID NOVEMBER $39.95
COLLECTOR'S TREASURY of ANTIQUE SLOT MACHINES FROM CON- TEMPORARY ADVERTISING by Peter Bach: A fingertip-handy selection from these renowned trade ads from "Billboard Magazine"(1925-1950) which formed the pattern for modern day reporting on vintage coin-operated machines. Indexed. for easy reference, this primary guide, will authenticate makes, models, circa of production, distinctive features, comparative rarity, and contemporary competition. Thousands of machines listed, hundreds of descriptions. 700 Illustrations. It accurately describes the evolution of the slot machine in the industries own words and pictures. (479)Pages, Hard Cover) BKS-100261 $26.40
HISTORY of the SLOT MACHINE by Slot Books: An Illustrated History of the Slot Machine. This book was the winner of the 1984 "National History Award". This fascinating volume details the evolution and workings of the slot machine from its inception to the modern electronic casino slots and their legalization in Nevada and Atlantic City. Over 400 illustrations (200 in color). Written by Slot Books, grandson of the inventor of the slot machine. "This book is a must for anyone who owns or is thinking of owning a Slot Machine." (240 pages, Hard Cover) (See Slot Books)
SLOT MACHINES on PARADE by Robert Geddes and Daniel Mead: This "color-picture- book" captures the timeless beauty of antique slot machines. As its very name implies, "Slot Machines on Parade" can be enjoyed by all: collectors, hobbyist, historians, Americana buffs, artists, and the curious or those who simply admire the beauty of earlier generations. The nature of the book allows the reader to take a quick glance at the creative genius end design that went into these machines. You can leisurely read, and enjoy some of the untold stories about the people who invented, manufactured, sold, operated, pinball and collected these fascinating relics of a major American industry. The 115 "full-page" color pictures are linked together by a text that tells the fascinating story of the automatic gambling machine industry. "Slot Machines on Parade" is extensively Indexed. contains a full Table of illustrations, is case bound, 9-1/4 In. x 12 1/4 In., contains a total of 224 pages and is furnished with heavy, full color, plastic coated dust jacket. (224 Pages, Hard Cover) BKS-130200 $39.95 OUT OF PRINT
MILLS SLOT MACHINE - Owner's Pictorial Guide for the "Care and Understanding" of your Slot Machine by Dan Mead: This mammoth book is the most comprehensive. work ever published about, and specifically directed to the owner of any 3-reel Mills Bell Machine manufactured after 1920. The knowledge gained from this book. will, however, enable the reader to work on all previously manufactured Mills machines. Over 450 detailed photographs are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations; as well as complete assembly, disassembly; overhaul, lubrication and theory of operation. Whether you have one or many machines you'll want this enlarged second edition. With this book and a few simple tools you'll be able to analyze and correct any problem you may encounter with your Mills slot machine. (188 pages, soft cover) BKS-130220 $39.95
WATLING SLOT MACHINE: Owner's Pictorial Guide for the "Care and Understanding" of your Slot Machine by R. Geddes and Dan Mead: This exemplary text is the most comprehensive work ever .published about, and specifically directed to the owner of any 3-reel Watling Bell Machine manufactured after 1926, including the "BLUE SEAL", "ROLL-A-TOP" and "TREASURY series. Over 350 detailed photographs are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations, as well as complete disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, assembly and theory of operation. Whether you have one or several of the popular Watling machines. you'll want this long-needed manual. With this book and a few simple tools you'll be able to analyze and correct most of the problems you may encounter with your Watling Slot Machine. (148 Pages, Soft Cover) BKS-130330 $29.95
HANDBOOK of SLOT MACHINE REEL STRIPS by Daniel R. Mead: This book contains an extremely detailed 21-page table of contents that lists machines by manufacture tells the number of stops, payout type, layout code, manufacturer's identification numbers, payout percentages, special notes, and tells on what page a more detailed computer chart may be found. With this book you'll be able to establish simple "Layout Code" for your machine "reel" strips. Then you will be able, to quickly and easily look up this "Layout Code" in the handbook and learn what you have probably already asked yourself "What does it pay?" This book isn't for everyone. We only recommend it for operators, historians, collectors enthusiasts and students. This book is 5-1/2"x 8-1/2" and is square-back perfect bound with an attractive plastic coated leather-like cover. (296 pages, soft cover) BKS-100117 $17.95
JENNINGS SLOT MACHINE - Owner's Pictorial Guide for the Care and Understanding of the Jennings Bell Slot Machine. The puzzling complexity of the Jennings slot machine has led to the most comprehensive work ever published about any mechanical slot machine. This gigantic book is specifically directed to the owner of any three-reel Jennings bell slot machine manufactured after 1931 with the exception of the LITTLE DUKE. However, the reader will find that work on most other Jennings machine manufactured prior to 1932 can be managed successfully. Over 450 photographs are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations as well as complete disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, assembly and theory of operation. With this volume and a few simple tools you will be able to analyze and correct nearly all of the problems you may encounter with your machine. This second printing of the popular first edition contains 163 total pages, including an extensive table of contents and introductory material, measures 8 3/8" x 10 7/8", is square-back perfect bound with attractive full-color, plastic-coated soft cover. BKS-130110 $31.95
MILLS BELL MACHINE Service Parts Price List with Supplement Parts and Service Manual: Actually, two publications in one, this Mills "HI-TOP" manual will round out your "HI- TOP" paper collection. This reprint was originally issued in 1958 and covers all three and four reel machines, including the little known four reel "FOUR CROWN" machine with art decor styling. Eleven photographs and over a thousand parts with part name, number and price are listed. (20 pages, soft cover) BKS-100102 $3.95
MILLS OF THE THIRTIES OPERATOR'S COMPANION - This is the first in the series, and contains reproductions of product brochures, service literature and advertisements, accompanied by a running narrative by the author to lead the reader through this exciting decade in the Mills Novelty Company's existence. Case bound (hard cover), containing 192 pages, the book measures 6 1/4" x 9 1/4", with a metallic red-foil stamped cover. BKS-100273 $15.95
MILLS OF THE FORTIES OPERATOR'S COMPANION - Like its predecessor, this book by Dan Post, covers a decade in the history of the Mills Novelty Company, with special attention paid to its slot machine products. The period marked a change in the company's operations. As World War II saw a name change (to Mills Industries Incorporated, and then, for its slot machine division after the war, the Bell-O-Matic Corporation), and the decline of slot machine production in the latter half of the Forties, as political jurisdictions began to legislate against various forms of gaming. Also like its predecessor, this book is beautifully printed, with black and white illustrations reproduced with exceptional care. It measures 6 1/4" x 9 1/4", is case bound (hard cover) with a blue embossed cover. BKS-100274 $15.95
WATLING OPERATOR'S COMPANION - The third volume of the series by Dan Post contains the history of the Watling company and its products, with a narrative that is at once both informative and interesting, covering not only the account of the company's activities, but the personal activities of company founder Watling and his sons (although some of this information may well be apocryphal). This volume, like its two predecessors, is superbly printed in black and white, with meticulous attention paid to reproduction of the illustrations. Measuring 6 1/4" x 9 1/4", this hard cover book contains 192 pages, and features a cream-colored cover with gold-foil stamped title and illustration. BKS-100280 $15.95
MILLS BELL CATALOG - 1946 - This book contains an extremely detailed 21-page table of contents that lists machines by manufacture tells the number of stops, payout type, layout code, manufacturer's identification numbers, payout percentages, special notes, and tells on what page a more detailed computer chart may be found. With this book you'll be able to establish a simple "Layout Code" for your machine's "reel" strips. Then you will be able to quickly and easily look up this "Layout Code" in the handbook and learn what you have probably already asked yourself "What does it Pay?" This book isn't for everyone, we only recommend it for operators, historians, collectors, enthusiasts and students. (296 Pages, soft cover) B-155 $17.95
THE ANATOMY OF A VINTAGE SLOT MACHINE - by Mills Company: This book was never meant to be seen or read by you. Instead it Was slanted to be read by the slot machine operator and was first published during the "Great Depression" by the Mills Novelty Company's own press to tout a new standard in precision construction. Now beautifully reprinted it can once again be a delight to the collector and enthusiast of antique slot machines. It will give you an unprecedented look at the inner workings of the world's largest slot machine factory at that time, plus the great pride Mills took in producing this most popular machine. This book will be a welcome addition to your library. (45 Pages, Hard Cover) BKS-100360 $10.95
OWNER'S PICTORIAL GUIDE - PACE BELL SLOT MACHINE: Owner's Pictorial Guide for the "Care and Understanding" of your Slot Machine by R. Geddes and' Dan Mead: The "Pace Bell" slot machine was a marvel of engineering simplicity. This comprehensive .manual covers all standard sized mechanical models of this remarkable slot machine. The approximately 350 detailed photographs are accompanied by step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance operations, as well as complete disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, assembly and theory of operation. The Pace machines design has stood the test of time as evidenced by its continued use in several Nevada casinos. Since many of these machines are being retired from casino service and are being acquired by collectors, an entire chapter has been devoted to casino variance and added-on devices. With this long-needed manual and a few simple tools you'll be able to analyze and correct nearly any problem you may have with your Pace Slot Machine. (144 Pages, soft cover) BKS-100285 $48.21
PACE PARTS LIST & SERVICE MANUAL - Here is a rare booklet that was originally issued in 1937 by the Pace Manufacturing Company of Chicago, the original manufacturer of the Pack Slot Machine. It contains a special photo section showing the ALL-STAR COMET, ALL-STAR SIDE VENDER, ALL-STAR GOLD AWARD BELL, COMET FRONT VENDER, DEFFERED-PAY FRONT VENDER, ROYAL COMET and the ARISTO scale. And it's filled with over a thousand pictured parts, all identified and priced! This authentic reproduction contains 40 pages, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", saddle-stitched. BKS-100105 $3.95
CAILLE BROTHERS COMPANY - CATALOG 311 - This authentic reproduction of this famous gambling machine catalog is simply unmatched for detailed representation of the Caille gaming machine line. More than 150 clear, sharp photographs on 72 pages of detailed descriptions, code names and explanations make this an absolute must. It even has the original tear-out price list. Printed on glossy paper with multi-color cover, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" saddle-stitched. BKS-100106 $7.95
CAILLE AMUSEMENT MACHINES - CATALOG 512 - Here is another authentic reproduction - it even has the special roll-over fold, just like the original published in 1912. More than 35 illustrations of various arcade and amusement machines grace the pages of this unique piece. Included are scales, peep shows, lung and strength testers, electricity devices, candy/peanut vender, pedestals and money-changers. Printed on glossy paper with multi-color cover, 5 3/4" x 7 1/2", saddle-stitched. BKS-100907 $4.95
FOR AMUSEMENT ONLY - This combination book by Thomas Gustwiller covers a wide range of coin-operated amusement devices - about 500 of them! For Amusement Only is a dandy pictorial reference guide for the rare and unusual machines collectors have heard about, but have seldom seen. Impressive black and white photographs of machines range from single-wheel counter and floor-model slot machines and card machines to common two and three-reel models. And in between there are cast iron payout and cigar (card) machines, coin flops and drops, horse race and dice games, roulette and spinner games and many miscellaneous devices. Photographs average about three to the page and each is accompanied by a specification block listing the name, manufacturer, date, value, a rarity factor and appropriate comments. As a bonus, For Amusement Only has included a machine listing originally compiled by Coin Machine Journal and a pictorial listing of "Most Wanted Unfound Machines." Both are invaluable sources for historical reference. For Amusement Only is case bound with an attractive, full-color plastic-coated cover. It is fully indexed, measures 8 3/4" x 11 1/4" and contains 248 fact filled pages. BKS-300808 $39.95
SLOT MACHINES - Here is the low-cost answer to Slot Machines, described above. Many of your favorite slot machines - plus some rare ones, are found in this book by Dieter Lagwig. Hard bound with dust jacket, 80 pages, 9 1/4" x 12". BKS-200007 $14.95
GAMBLING COLLECTIBLES - This one-of-a-kind masterpiece by Leonard Schneir explores the world of gambling collectibles in a way that will inform and amuse both the novice and established collector. A myriad of gambling items are illustrated in over 400 full-color photographs. Included are many that are exceedingly rare and some which are not, but all of them are exceedingly attractive. Gambling Collectibles covers everything from old gambling advertising and motion pictures to the actual tools of the trade: cards, dice, chips, layouts, wheels and more. Chapters cover cheating, the story of pharo (faro), the Diana game, rare decks of cards and even fancy gambler's pocket watches. Gambling Collectibles measures 8 1/2" x 11", contains 160 fact-filled pages including price guide, is fully indexed and is perfect bound with an attractive, full-color, plastic-coated cover. BKS-500541 $29.95
KERNAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY CATALOG - This catalog was originally issued in 1901 by the Kernan Manufacturing Company, dealer in supplies for saloons, billiard halls and club rooms. Printed on simulated old paper, the reprint duplicates the original exactly. There are over 300 pictures of such items as coin-operated machines, gambling devices, talking machines, guns, knives, dice, cards, wheels, trade checks and police goods. With 64 pages, this one is a must for the true collector, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", saddle- stitched. BKS-100904 $5.95
PROTECTION - THE SEALED BOOK - Originally published in 1911, this gambling monograph by Joseph E. Meyer details the various shady practices used by the "sharpers" of that era. With sections on the early slot machines, sleight-of-hand card tricks and crooked gambling devices, rigged roulette wheels, counterfeit money and loaded dice the book was an early effort (and an excellent one) to reveal to the public the ingenious tricks schemes and apparatus used by gamblers and get-rich-quick fakirs. This classic reissue, still being prepare at press time, has been completely enhanced and annotated. Editing has been limited only to modernize practices of punctuation, spelling and capitalization. The book's charm has been retained by using period typefaces. The result can only be described as a Classic. The Sealed Book measures 5 7/16" x 8 7/16", is square-back perfect bound, and has a gold foil stamped, enhanced facsimile of the original black bookbinder's cloth cover. BKS-100087 Please Call.
GAMBLING AND GAMBLING DEVICES - John P. Quinn, in this reprint of his 1912 treatise on gambling and the evils attendant upon one's participation in the activity, inadvertently authored a virtual encyclopedia of cheating techniques prevalent during the 19th and early 20Th centuries. A reformed gambler himself, he alternates between moralizing against the "vice" whose "vortex is destruction" and dissecting the cheating methods used in nearly every type of gambling. But there is much more to the work; the specifics of the "gaffs" used in gambling games are detailed extensively. A chapter on slot machines contains 39 pages of photos, manufacturer advertising, and illustrations. This square-back, perfect bound book, reprinted from the original 1912 edition, contains 308 pages and measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/4", and has an attractive two-color soft cover. BKS-500204 $8.95
ARCADE TREASURES - This is the very latest book covering arcade games. While the author (Bill Kurtz) has essentially concentrated on his basic interests, pinball games, there are still enough arcade devices to make this one of the best on the market. Arcade Treasures is an easy book to read because the text is far outweighed with pictures, nearly 450, and all in color. Games covered are from the pre-1930s to the 1990s, from BRAYING JACKASS and SKEE-BALL to PAC MAN and Q'BERT. Categories include gun games, shuffle alleys, strength testers, claws and peep shows. The sheer quantity is astounding. The book also covers foreign games and related collectibles. Tips for buying and a price guide are also included. Arcade Treasures is case bound with full-color cover, contains 176 pages, 83/4" x 11 3/8" and is fully indexed. BKS-800619 $39.95
MIKE MUNVES ARCADE SUPPLY CATALOG - This 1956 catalog of arcade and amusement machines has just about everything, new and old: kiddy rides, card venders, animated games, shooting galleries, popcorn vender, cigarette machines, photo and recording booths, mutoscope, drop picture machines, fortune tellers, jukeboxes, scales, strength machines, punching bags, counter games, gum and peanut venders, pinballs, tools and coin-counting machines. This authentic reprint has 249 illustrations and is printed with blue ink on white paper, just like the original 28 pages (missing pages 13 through 16), 8 1/2" x 11" saddle-stitched. BKS-100903 $3.95
PINBALL ART - Concentrating on the art and graphics of the back-glasses and playing fields, this beautiful book provides examples of the are as it developed from the speakeasies of the 1930s, through the diners and coffee bars of the 50s and 60s, and to the high-tech world of today. It includes a listing of artists with chronologies of their work, a listing of pinball milestones, and interviews with some of the early American artists who contributed to this unique genre. Illustrated with 120 color photographs, numerous pencil roughs, and contemporary advertising. Pinball Art is full indexed, measures 9 3/8" x 12", contains 128 pages, and is case bound with attractive, full-color, plastic-coated dust jacket. BKS-800101 $24.95
PINBALL - Written by Paul Zsolnay, Pinball is the low cost answer to Pinball Art. It's all color and loaded! Hard bound with dust jacket, 80 pages, 9 1/4" x 12". BKS-800071 $14.95
VIDEO TAPES
To The:
ARI Home Page | Book Store | The Gamblers Hardware Store | The Video Store | The Slot Shop | The Gift Shop | News Items & New Offers | The Bingo Pages | Pull Tabs & Punch Boards | Hot Links | Classified Ads | Poker Chips |
Thank You For Being Our
Visitor!
