Slot machines, nickel grinders, or
one-arm bandits as they popularly came to be known, have had a long
and chequered history. Chequered because their very design left them
open to abuse, and consequently they often fell foul of gambling
laws in various American states.
Although the era of the slot machine
began in the last quarter of the 19th century, according to legend
the founding father of vending and slot machines was the Greek
scientist Hero, who invented a device for selling 'holy water'.
Slot machine manufacturers were
hard hit by the Depression in the 1930s, although most managed to
keep their heads above water by producing cheaper machines and
getting around the gambling laws. This book shows some of the many
models and variations that were produced during this time.
Packed with interesting information
and details of the most famous slot machines, accompanied by a
wealth of colour photographs, this book pays homage to the old
one-arm bandits - a Hall of Fame for all those classic and
beautifully designed machines of yesteryear.
Condition: A Fine copy with no
inscriptions, in a near Fine unclipped dustwrapper. |
