A Caille Venus quarter slot machine with music, one of only four known and the best example of the four, is expected to be the top lot at an auction planned for October 10-12 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The premier single upright slot machine, made in 1907, plays music when a lever is cranked. It is expected to hammer down at around a quarter of a million dollars.

“This is the granddaddy of all single upright quarter slot machines, and the fact that it’s in the best condition of only four examples known makes it extremely desirable to serious collectors,” said Mike Eckles of Showtime Auction Services. “We anticipate it will be the star lot of the sale, but it is by no means the only item of rarity or quality we’ll be selling. This promises to be our best auction ever.”

Categories include “the best coin-ops we’ve ever had” (vending, arcade, gambling, trade stimulators, etc.); country store; general store; petroliana; toys; fire memorabilia; glassware; advertising; store fixtures; cigar store, veterinary; pharmacy; bronzes; showcases; tobacciana; soda fountain; tins, Coca Cola, saloon; barber shop; salesman’s samples; Western Americana; stoneware; folk art; toys, wagons, sleds and more – over 2,000 quality lots in all.

A preview will be held on Friday morning, October 10, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. A FREE Hot Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The auction hours on Friday will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Previews will also be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Auction hours both days will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Watch the website for photos and details as the auction approaches: www.showtimeauctions.com.

To order a 200-page full-color catalog, you may call (316) 721-5236.

Showtime Auction Services is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call Mike Eckles at (951) 453-2415. His e-mail address is Mikeckles@aol.com. The firm holds all of its major sales at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, Mich. For more information, click on www.showtimeauctions.com

Posted: 08|17|08 at 9:53 am. Filed under: US News.