You see those gorgeous, antique-looking slot machines in old movies and think, 'I'd love to own a piece of that history.' But where do you even start? Are they just expensive paperweights, or can you actually play them? And if you can, what's the experience like compared to tapping a screen on your phone? The Mills Extraordinary slot isn't just a relic; it's the cornerstone of modern slot design, and understanding it is key to appreciating the games you play today.
What Makes the Extraordinary Model So Special?
The Mills "Extraordinary" slot machine, produced from the late 1920s through the 1940s, was a direct response to the rise of the Bally "Bingo" machine. Mills had to up their game, and they did. The "Extraordinary" line introduced the now-iconomatic "War Eagle" cast-iron front—a massive, ornate piece of art depicting an eagle with spread wings. This wasn't just decoration; it was a statement of durability and grandeur. Inside, it featured the patented Mills "Jackpot" mechanism, a separate compartment that held a hoard of coins that would clatter into the tray when the right combination hit. That sound became the dream for every player.
The Mechanical Heart: How It Actually Worked
Forget random number generators. The Mills Extraordinary operated on pure, intricate mechanics. You pulled the handle (the "one-armed bandit") which spun three reels via a spring-loaded mechanism. Each reel had 20 symbols—bells, bars, fruits, and the Mills "Liberty Bell." The kicker was the "skill stop" feature. Early models allowed players to manually stop each reel, introducing an element of (perceived) skill. The machine's internal logic was governed by a series of gears, levers, and a coin detector. The payout was determined by the alignment of symbols on the payline, with the jackpot reserved for three Liberty Bells, which would trip the separate jackpot mechanism.
From Antique to Modern Online Play
You can't download a Mills Extraordinary to your phone, but its DNA is in every digital slot you play. The core concepts it established—three reels, a central payline, and the jackpot symbol—are the foundation of classic slot design. Online casinos like BetMGM, Caesars Palace Online, and DraftKings Casino are filled with "3-reel classic" slots that are direct digital descendants. Games like "Triple Red Hot 7s" or "Cash Eruption" use the same simple, fast-paced format the Mills popularized. The shift from mechanical reels to video screens and RNGs changed the technology, but the fundamental thrill of lining up symbols started here.
Owning a Piece of History: Collector's Market
Finding an authentic, working Mills Extraordinary is a serious pursuit. Prices vary wildly based on condition, model year, and originality. A fully restored "War Eagle" Extraordinary in mint, working condition can command $8,000 to $15,000 or more. More common models in good shape might be found in the $3,000 to $6,000 range. Beware of reproductions or "marriage" machines (parts from different units cobbled together). The serial number, located on the inside of the cabinet, is crucial for authentication. For most, buying one is about display and the occasional pull for fun, not as a primary gaming device.
Playing the Spirit of the Machine Today
If you want the tactile feel, some specialty casinos and museums have operational antique slots, but they're rare. Your best bet for the experience is modern online slots that honor the aesthetic. Look for games with "retro," "classic," or "vintage" themes. They often feature illustrated bells, fruits, and bar symbols, and simpler bonus structures. The key difference is the payout. The original Mills had a fixed theoretical payout (often around 75-80%) determined by its physical reel strips. Today's online versions have RTPs (Return to Player) typically between 94% and 97%, meaning they pay back significantly more over the long run, even if they lack the heavy iron charm.
Restoration and Maintenance Challenges
Getting an old Mills to work isn't like fixing a toaster. The cast-iron cabinet is heavy and can rust. The reel strips (the paper or celluloid sleeves on the reels) are often faded or torn. The most delicate parts are the nickel-plated mechanisms inside—springs lose tension, gears wear down, and the intricate coin acceptor can get gunked up with old grease and dirt. Finding original parts is a hunt, often requiring connections to specialist communities or machinists who can fabricate replacements. Using a non-original part can significantly decrease the value for a purist collector.
FAQ
Can you legally play an antique Mills slot machine at home?
In most U.S. states, yes, but with a major caveat. Federal law and most state laws permit the private ownership and use of antique slot machines (typically defined as 25+ years old) as long as they are not used for commercial gambling. You can have it in your home and pull the handle for fun. However, a handful of states, including Nevada, have stricter laws that prohibit possession of any slot machine, antique or not, without a specific license. Always check your state's specific statutes before purchasing.
How much does a working Mills Extraordinary cost?
Prices are all over the map. A common model in fair, working condition might start around $2,500. A fully restored, pristine "War Eagle" Extraordinary with all-original parts and a brilliant finish can easily exceed $12,000. The price hinges on model rarity, cabinet condition (is the paint original?), mechanical functionality, and the seller's reputation. Buying from a reputable dealer often costs more but comes with authentication and sometimes a guarantee.
What's the difference between a Mills "High Top" and an "Extraordinary"?
The "High Top" is an earlier, simpler model. Its most noticeable feature is the tall, rounded top casing that holds the reel mechanism. The "Extraordinary" series that followed has a lower, more streamlined profile and introduced the legendary cast-iron front plates like the "War Eagle." The Extraordinary also incorporated more advanced internal mechanisms, including more reliable jackpot systems and, in some models, the skill stop feature. Think of the High Top as the Model T and the Extraordinary as the Model A—a significant evolutionary step.
Did the Mills Extraordinary use cherries, lemons, and bells like modern slots?
Absolutely. Mills standardized many of the slot symbols we know today. Their reel strips famously featured the Liberty Bell (the jackpot symbol), cherries, lemons, plums, oranges, and bars. The single cherry symbol often paid out a small reward, even without alignment on the payline, a feature that persists in many classic-style games today. The fruit symbols are said to have originated from early 20th-century gum dispensers that gave fruit-flavored gum as a prize, a workaround for anti-gambling laws.
Where can I see a Mills Extraordinary in person?
Your best bets are dedicated museums. The Mob Museum in Las Vegas has an excellent collection of historic gambling devices. The Nevada State Museum in Carson City also features them. Some larger, older casinos like the Golden Gate in downtown Las Vegas or the Tropicana in Atlantic City might have a few on display in a heritage area. For a deep dive, collector conventions like those held by the Casino Collectibles Association are the ultimate place to see dozens of models up close and talk to experts.
