EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THB1930s Watling Rol-A-Tor 5c Antique Slot Machine
About Seller
448 S. Pattie Ave
Wichita, KS 67211
United States
Nation’s Attic Incorporated is located in Wichita, KS. As a full time business we offer expert factory correct restoration & repair services for antique slot machines made from the 1880’s to 1950. Only dealing in authentic examples of antique slot machines, we are one of the few remaining full time ...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $100 | $10 |
| $250 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
About Auction
LiveNov 1, 2025
Nation's Attic's annual Diving Into History auction is filled with some fantastic, rare, authentic diving helmets from around the world, plus related memorabilia. We also have a collection of rare golf balls, US silver coins, plus more. Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
View Full Catalog (318)
- Lot Description
The Watling Rol-A-Tor is easily one of the most prized slot machines in existence. The story behind its rarity is as fascinating as the machine itself. When the Watling Company of Chicago designed this impressive machine, complete with a revolutionary rotating escalator on top, they christened it the Rol-A-Tor. However, they soon discovered a washing machine had already secured that name. To avoid the cost of completely remaking the expensive top-casting molds, they simply altered the name by filling in the tail of the "R, " creating the Rol-A-Top. Most surviving Watling machines bear this later name. A relatively small number of the original Rol-A-Tor machines ever made it to market, and this is one of those rare examples!
Adding to the historical appeal of these early Rol-A-Tor and Rol-A-Top models is the style of coin ornamentation on the castings. The earliest machines showcased familiar United States-style coinage. These were later replaced with a more generic design featuring Roman-style coins. The reason for this switch whether due to a request from the U.S. government or not—remains a historical mystery. Nevertheless, this particular machine features the desirable U.S. coin castings.
This 5c machine was professionally restored by St. Louis Slot Machine Co. years ago and still functions smoothly. While all the payouts have been hit on this machine, we are making no guarantees regarding its function once it leaves our facility.
This machine features the correctly painted castings, original oak cabinet painted and stained as it was originally, original tin reel strips and award card, �chicken wire� jackpot glass, back bonnet, back door with replacement Ace lock and key, and all the main mechanical parts. The internal cash box is a replacement. Of note, it does appear there was a professional repair to the right front edge of the lower casting.
The machine has serial number ROL 654775 stamped into the top casting. It appears someone at the Watling factory applied an extra number at the end. Inside the cabinet, the original inspection tag is still present, showing serial number 65477, which is a correct serial number for this machine. Maybe the extra 5 was put on to indicate it is a 5c machine?
This machine plays smooth and also looks incredible. If you have always wanted a classic 1930s slot machine that was also a true investment piece, this one should be strongly considered!
All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
- Shipping Info
-
Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via DHL Express or FedEx Express. USPS is no longer used for international shipments due to issues with tracking packages. Insurance: All items are insured for the full purchase amount less carrier shipping charges, or the maximum amount allowed by the carrier and/or country of destination. Insurance is included in the specified shipping amount listed in the shipping section of the final invoice pricing. All invoices are sent with insurance already factored into the shipping charge. The customer has the right to waive any insurance amount by providing written consent that the customer will not hold Nations Attic, Inc. or its shipping carriers responsible for damaged and/or lost shipments due to uninsured/under insured packages. In some instances, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to only ship certain items if insurance is purchased for the full amount of the item(s) being shipped. International buyers are responsible for all duties and taxes. If shipment is rejected, buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs or disposal fees incurred.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
