Dewey & Chicago Mills 5 Cent Dewey Upright Slot Machine, 66″ High – sold for $18,000 at auction
There’s something magical about the casino, beyond the incredible vanishing money. Step under the flashing lights and wander between the tables and you’ll start to feel that anything can happen. But that magic doesn’t come from the bricks and mortar of the casino building; much of it comes from what’s in the casino, including what’s used by the players.
Circa 1920s/1930s Demley Chrome Auto Dice Roller – sold for $240 at auction
For avid gamblers, the thrill is in the pursuit of winning against the house. For avid gambling-memorabilia collectors, the thrill is in winning pieces of the house.
Griswold Nickel Gaming Wheel Trade Stimulator Wins 5¢ Cigars – sold at auction for $900
Mills Five Cent Jockey Poker Hand Trade Stimulator/Slot Machine – sold at auction for $4,200
What kinds of casino collectibles might sell at auction?
You may be surprised to know that the right vintage casino chips can be sought-after by serious collectors, but chips aren’t the only thing they’re looking for. Here’s a list of items that might hold value at auction:
- Gambling wheels (gaming wheels)
- Vintage slot machines
- Vintage gambling devices
- Trade stimulators
- Playing cards
- Slot machine tokens
- Roulette wheels
In short, almost anything from any old, famous casino might be of interest to the right collector.
Antique Gamblers’ Card Playing Sleeve Cheating Device – sold at auction for $6,000
Antique Dice Shaker Trade Stimulator – sold at auction for $1,800
What makes casino collectibles valuable?
The most valuable collectables tend to come from the 1940s to the 1960s. The era isn’t the only thing collectors care about, though. Some of the following factors may also make your collectible worth selling at auction:
- It comes from a big-name casino that no longer exists.
- The item is rare.
- The item is aesthetically pleasing.
- Its condition. (As with all antiques, the condition of the item matters.)
Also, different collectors focus on different niches. Some focus on global casinos. Many focus on Las Vegas. Some even focus on tiny towns scattered around Nevada. Others favor Atlantic City.
How much can I expect to collect for my casino memorabilia?
The Geoffrey Parker Poker Chip collection sold for $7.5 million at auction. That’s a 384-chip set inlaid with precious stones.
Most of us won’t see those kinds of results, but if you’ve got a great deal of casino memorabilia floating around in your attic, estate, or inheritance, then you could walk away with a significant amount of money.
Here are a few examples of other casino memorabilia auction results:
- A Dewey & Chicago Mills 5 cent upright slot machine sold for over $4,250.
- A Ball & Bro gaffed roulette wheel on a table sold for $2,400.
- A collection of gambler’s cheating dice from the 1960s sold for $1,320.
- A vintage gaffed dice rake sold for $1,187.50.
- A gaffed “Chuck-A-Luck” cage sold for $780.
The only way you’ll be able to determine the potential of your item is by getting it evaluated by an experienced auctioneer. At Central Mass Auctions, we can tell you whether and when you can bring your items in front of serious collectors ready to pay a premium for them. Contact us today.
Caille Victory Bell Slot Machine, Quarter Machine – sold at auction for $4,000
Vintage B.C. Wills Game Table – sold for $800 at auction
1920s / 1930s Chuck-a-Luck Table Top Wheel on Nickel Plated Stand – sold for $450 at auction
