Watling Cherry Front, Rol-A-Top, Rol-A-Tor or Bird of Paradise Restoration by Jenny Creekmore



Before & After Restoration Of a Classic 5c Watling Rol-A-Top Coin Front Slot Machine by Nations Attic 

I am always ecstatic to restore a Watling Cherry front, a Watling Rol-A-Top, a Watling Rol-A-Tor, or a Watling Bird of Paradise back to its original brilliance.  A lot of the Watling machines are no longer in good original condition.  When the antique slot machine is too far from being in original condition, I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work on the machine. 

I have personally restored numerous Watling slot machines.  Once the castings are stripped of all the old paint and buffed to a high shine, the castings then need to be cleaned of all buffing material.  It truly is necessary to take your time in doing an excellent cleaning job, before any painting can occur. 

Close-Up Of Rare Cherry Front Rol-A-Top Before & After Restoration By Nations Attic

Back in the day, Watling used a paint that was iridescent or somewhat see through.  The castings need to be very clean and buffed to a high shine, for the iridescent paint to really reveal the beauty of the castings.  The Watling Cherry front would have had a red iridescent paint on the cherries, while the coins on a Watling Rol-A-Tor, Watling Rol-A-Top or Watling Bird of Paradise would have had a gold iridescent paint. 



Close-Up Of A Watling Rol-A-Top Bird of Paradise With Original Factory Gold Paint

We have the capability to reproduce both the red and gold iridescent paint.  We are proud to say that we specialize in factory correct restorations.  We strive to make the machines as perfect as they were when they left the factory back in time. 

Don teases me at times, because I want every machine to be as perfect as it possibly can be.  I almost obsess over each and every detail that goes into making a machine as perfect as possible.  I know that our customers treasure their machines and I treat them as I would treat my own machines.  I care for all of the machines that we ever handle and sometimes I begin to feel attached to them.  That is why he teases me!



Example Of A US Coin Front Rol-A-Top Lower Casting Before & After Detailed Restoration by Nations Attic

I really wish I could go back in time to speak with the people working in the Watling manufacturing facility.  I would want to speak with the designers, mechanics, wood workers, painters, hand painters, operators, sales team, marketing personnel and so forth.   

Often, we will get in a machine and the paint is not perfectly straight or a decal may have been slapped on the side of the wood in a crooked position.  Basically, the machine would show some kind of ‘rush’ action during the building of the machine.  It always makes me wonder why.  If only we could hear stories about these machines being built and the need to get them out as fast as possible. 

Don reminds me that when these machines were being manufactured they were a device to make money, not a family heirloom, family story or a collectible.  Yes, that does put things into perspective.

However, I do know how to properly restore a Watling machine.  Once the iridescent paint is on the castings, I hand paint everything else.  This is important, because when a casting has been buffed to a high shine, sometimes it is difficult for paint to adhere.  Plus, they hand painted the machines back in the day!  I have my method down (which is a secret) and I take lots and lots of time carefully hand painting.  It is crucial to take your time to have straight lines and NO brush strokes. 



The Oak Cabinet, Back Bonnet and Other Parts Get The Same First Classic Treatment As The Front On This Rol-A-Top

I also have my secrets on properly finishing the wood cabinet.  You definitely cannot rush!

At this time, Don and I do not own a Watling Cherry front, Watling Rol-A-Tor, Watling Rol-A-Top or Watling Bird of Paradise in our personal collection.  I truly would love to own one of these wonderful machines.  If you happen to have one, I am definitely a buyer.  Or if you have a machine that needs to be restored or repaired, I am more than happy to send you some photos of the work we have completed on some other machines.    

Oh, and if you or anyone in your family worked for the Watling company, we would be beyond thrilled to hear your stories and see any photos you might have available! Please call us at 316-371-1828 or email slots@nationsattic.com

Also, please click on any of the photos in this blog to view the photos in more detail.

Thank you!

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