The first gambling machines were based on poker, roulette and dice games. Elaborate Art Deco aluminum castings were popular facades for slot machine in the early 1930s. Thousands of nickelodeons were produced by various manufacturers between 19.įancy Front Comet Slot Machine, Pace Mfg. Playing piano and a real violin in a quarter sawn oak cabinet, these mechanical wonders entertained people around the globe. Violano Virtuoso, Mills Novelty Co., Chicago. Originally, all coin-operated machines were called slot machines, but later, the term would be used only when referring to gambling devices. Gambling devices soon followed, and during the 1890s, the industry flourished. Matches, collar buttons, chewing gum, peanuts, stamps and cigars were just a few of the multitude of items that one might purchase for a penny or nickel. In the 1880s, foreign-born inventors on American soil developed and manufactured many types of vending machines.

Around 1700, pipe tobacco and snuff vendors appeared in England. A five-drachma coin provided a small splash of water with which a worshiper could sprinkle himself. They can be traced back to an ancient Egyptian holy water vendor used more than 2,200 years ago. Vending machines have been around longer than any other type of coin-op. The vending, amusement and gambling machine industry grew side by side with the other great inventions of this era. (Photo, courtesy of Johnny Duckworth.)ĭuring the American Industrial Revolution, coin-op inventors produced numerous devices. Win or lose, the player always received a roll of mints. One of the most highly sought after slot machines from the 1930s, the goal is to line up the correct colors of horses to make a payout. Superior Horse Race, Superior Confection Co., Columbus, Ohio.

Offered a choice of four fragrances for one cent.īeautiful flowers and cupids adorned this 1916 beauty. Mills Whiffs of Fragrance, Mills Novelty Company,Ĭhicago. Soon, society may no longer need coins to purchase anything. Coins, however, are quickly being replaced by paper bills, credit cards and other new technology, while cars are quickly being converted to electric operation. The last quarter of the 19th century saw the commercial birth of both major industries, and the first quarter of the 21st century will probably witness their demise. The era of coin-operated machines is concurrent with the gasoline-powered automobile.

Pace slot machine fancy front