Jennings Butterfly Revamp by Jenny Creekmore

I had the privilege and opportunity to restore a JenningsButterfly Revamp slot machine.  When the slot machine arrived in our shop, I unpacked the antique machine and I instantly fell in love.  At that time, I had never seen one of these beautiful slot machines before.  The lower front casting looks very similar to the lower front casting of a Mills Poinsettia slot machine.  However, this revamp machine added a butterfly and a sunrise image.  In my opinion, it really is spectacular and quite detailed. 

Of course, directly after unpacking the slot machine, I quickly found my husband Don Creekmore.  I wanted to know everything about this machine.  I found it to be very interesting that the machine looked extremely similar to the Mills Poinsettia machine.  Almost like a copy, but with some new casting enhancements. 

Don informed me that it was indeed an O.D. Jennings slot machine and was originally an Operator Bell.  However, the machine had been revamped or modified by another company called PNC.  PNC probably made the modifications to this slot machine around 1930. 

So why would an O.D. Jennings Operator Bell need to be modified?  At least that was my question. 

When the slot machine was originally sold, it did not have a jackpot.  The jackpot feature is something that became available after this particular machine was manufactured. 

With the relatively large number of non-jackpot slot machines on the market, smaller companies, such as PNC, would buy these used slot machines.  These smaller companies would then make a new lower casting which would include a physical jackpot.  Often, they would mimic or copy other slot machines that were popular.   As in this case, the Mills Poinsettia lower front casting was mimicked.  Along with the smaller companies, Pace Manufacturing of Chicago IL made similar looking castings to revamp Mills and O.D. Jennings machines.  These companies would then resell the slot machine as a ‘revamp’ jackpot model.  To the best of my knowledge, this practice occurred from around 1928 to 1932.  By the early 1930’s all factory new slot machines contained the jackpot feature. 

I think the O.D. Jennings Butterfly Revamp slot machine is absolutely gorgeous and historically very interesting.  I would love to add one to our collection.  If you have one and are interested in selling your antique slot machine, please give me a call at 316-371-1828.

Why is that glass so NASTY? by Jenny Creekmore

1933 Mills Novelty Roman Head Jackpot With Original Laminated Glass

When I was first learning how to repair and restore antique slot machines I asked Don “Why in the world is that glass so NASTY?”    I am referring to the various areas of the slot machine that utilize glass, such as the reel window, escalator and jackpot.  This can be seen in the slot machines manufactured during the 1930’s to 1950’s.

The glass may look very dirty and in most cases cannot be seen through.  It may look yellow or brown and could even have a flaking appearance.  No matter how many times it is cleaned externally, it will not come clean.  

1937 O.D. Jennings 4 Star Chief Reel Window Glass Obscured By Delamination

Don explained to me what happened to the glass and why this was occurring.  I was surprised by the answer and it is something we do get asked frequently.  

So here is the answer!

The glass used was an early form of laminated safety glass.  Over time, the early form of plastic used to make the laminated safety glass would deteriorate or break down leaving the nasty appearance described above.  Sometimes the fused glass can be separated and cleaned with lots and lots of elbow grease.  However, in most cases, the glass simply needs to be replaced and cannot be salvaged. 

We are only aware of one other form of safety glass being used during those times.  It is the jackpot wire glass used by Watling, which is prized by collectors today.

Original 1937 Watling Rol-A-Top Jackpot Wire Glass

I hope you find this bit of trivia to be as interesting as I do.
Jenny Creekmore