Coin Slot

Coin Slot Magazine - #080 - 1981 - October [International Arcade Museum]
LETTERS
TO
THE
EDITOR
Dear Editor
I've got an enigma concerning the enclosed Jackpot Dewey,
and I'm hoping you can help me out
This is the only slot I own — I've been big in jukebox
restoration for the last 7 years — and because I'm not really
knowledgeable in early slots I dug in and did some research when
I got this thing. From your Coin Slot Guide I read that the owl
handles are found only on later (say WW1 or so) machines. My
predicament is that there is still original paper inside this
machine (serial #15,643), and although faint there are clearly
two dates visible. The problem is that the last digit is too faint to
distinguish in both instances. It may be a 2. The date of
inspection is 10/10/190? and the other date — I assume this to
be the shipping date — is 10/15/190? In both cases the "0" is
quite clear.
Can you give me a year from the serial number?
I'm aware the handles could have been changed by an
operator, but inspection doesn't show any tell-tale shadows that
handles were once there. I'm assuming the hole pattern for both
types of handles are identical, as there have been no new holes
drilled.
Obviously, an operator has removed the jackpot window (and
the rest of the jackpot mechanism) and replaced it with Dewey's
profile. The plate over the hole on the jackpot is simply a piece of
sheet steel with holes drilled to match existing holes (thank God)
in the cabinet. An original Dewey plaque was then mounted to
that. Which type of jackpot was used on this machine? I'm
assuming the type as are shown in your Coin Slot Guide No. 12
(Mills DEWEY/CHICAGO) and not the fancier type as in
Mead's new book on that JP Dewey. The latter type appears to
me to require
that the raised molding be pared down to
accomodate a flush fit — I am loath to do anything of that
nature. Both "200" and " 100" were bugged, so the owner wasn't
com high
.
My last question — can you steer me
to someone m
making
:
u
quality back doors, someone who
would have
us a e lock for the coin
from
m
d
-
e
e in copying the missing
head, and someone who
d me
ad can r assist
lo I've
ca talked
n
a
jackpot mech w
parts.
already
Gordon Bowman at
.
o
w two castings to I need.
w the
Bowit & D
Schafit about
w
/
/
:
p
Thank you
for your help.
htt immensely
planning on paying out any big wins.
Sincerely,
Bill Butterfield
© 6-THE
The International
Arcade Museum
COIN SLOT
-mmm
Dear Bill-
You have an absolutely elegant DEWEY JACKPOT. The
serial year for 15,643 is 1906, so that solves that mystery.
Asfor the "Owl" handles, they look very original in thephoto
ofyour machine. We can only assume that the DEWEY Coin
Slot Guide No. 12 is incorrect While the research undertaken
at the time suggested that the "Owl" handles were a teens (Le.
1913-1919) development, obviously they came earlier.
The "Dewey"plaque in thejackpot window looks too good to
makeshift. Is it possible that this was a revamp item from the
early 1900s, and that operators could disengage theirjackpots
for one reason or another and use this plate to cover the hole?
Seems reasonable.
Thejackpot should certainly be per Coin Slot Guide No. 12.
As for the back door, and a DEWEY JACKPOTjackpot,
you might want to contact a Coin Slot advertiser who has
worked on similar machines. He's called "The Slot Doctor":
Tom Stasiak
239 E. Main Street
Cary, IL 60013
(312) 639-9525
Thanks for the note and neat picture.
Sincerely,
Editor
Dear Editor
I am interested in purchasing some Premier Gum & Card
Vender Machines produced by OKE Mfg. I would appreciate
Continued on page 8
http://www.arcade-museum.com/
October 1981