LAS VEGAS, NEV.- With a cataloged inventory of more than 100 three-reel slot machines, 40+ jukeboxes, and dozens of other high-quality arcade and gambling machines from the turn of the 20th century,
Morphy Auctions Las Vegas’ Oct. 16-18 Coin-Op & Advertising Auction is sure to be the event of the season for coin-op collectors and antiques enthusiasts.
One of the hottest items in the fall auction is expected to be the beautiful, Terry Haughawout-restored Mills Novelty Company five-cent Violano Virtuoso. This circa-1920 self-playing piano-violin combo has been outfitted with a MIDI (digital interface) system and comes with 50 floppy disks containing music from the original Violano rolls. Always a popular item among collectors, the Mills Violano Virtuoso is expected to command $40,000-$60,000.
Another outstanding lot in the October auction is a five-cent Caille “Big Six” upright floor wheel slot machine. This expertly restored gaming console, originally released circa 1904, retains its original color wheel in excellent condition, with a new top marquee and back door. The “Big Six” is estimated to sell for $25,000-$35,000.
Other highlights include a mid-century, multi-coin Wurlitzer “Peacock” Model 850 jukebox in stunning, restored condition with keys, expected to hammer at $14,000-$18,000; a very rare, one-cent Chester-Pollard Amusement Company “Golf for Two” coin-op from the 1920s in very good condition, estimated to bring in $8,000-$12,000; and a rare, 1940s five-cent Pepsi Roulette Deepfreeze vending machine made by Bernitz Mfg and Machine Works of Kansas City and restored in Pepsi blue, which could sell for $6,000-$8,000.
The Oct. 16-18 auction will be held at Morphy’s Las Vegas gallery, located at 4520 Arville St. #1. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Start time is 9 a.m. Pacific/12 noon Eastern Time each day. Preview all goods at the Las Vegas gallery, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, or on an appointment basis by calling 702-382-2466 or emailing info@morphyauctions.com.
