How to Photograph an Antique Slot Machine

Antique coin machines combine historical artifacts, heavy mechanical assemblies, restoration choices and jurisdiction-specific law. The safest workflow is to identify, document, research legality, inventory completeness and only then decide whether to operate or restore the machine.

1. Full front

Full front should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

2. Sides and rear

Sides and rear should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

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3. Interior

Interior should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

4. Casting marks

Casting marks should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

5. Reels and award card

Reels and award card should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

6. Damage

Damage should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.

Related resources

• Browse maker guides
• Condition score
• Restoration budget
• Legal research checklist
• Primary sources

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