Bidspirit auction | Mills Novelty Co. 5-Reel Poker

Mills Novelty Co. 5-Reel Poker Trade Stimulator - 16.5x 79.5. This is a floor-standing antique 1-cent coin-operated trade stimulator manufactured by the Mills Novelty Company of Chicago, Illinois. The machine features a mechanical five-reel draw poker mechanism. The cabinet is constructed of quarter sawn oak, while the upper mechanism housing, dual support pillars, and cabriole-style feet are made of cast metal. A printed award card is suspended by metal chains between the pillars, titled Drop One Cent in the Slot. This card lists cigar prizes for various poker hands, including one cigar for two pair or three of a kind, up to 25 cigars for a royal flush. The left side panel of the upper housing displays a manufacturer decal featuring a red circular logo with a central owl graphic and text reading Mills Novelty Co. Chicago, U.S.A. with ribbons marked Trade Mark. A block of text below states Genuine Mills Machines Bear a Trademark Exactly Like the Above All Others are Imitations. The operation involves a coin entry slot on the top right of the wooden base cabinet and a manual lever on the side. A small oval viewing window on the slanted front panel of the base allows for inspection of the coin drop.