Antique coin machines combine historical artifacts, heavy mechanical assemblies, restoration choices and jurisdiction-specific law. The safest workflow is to identify, document, research legality, inventory completeness and only then decide whether to operate or restore the machine.
1. Identify every lock
Identify every lock should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.
2. Do not force doors
Do not force doors should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.
3. Ask for open-interior photos
Ask for open-interior photos should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.
4. Replacement locks may alter originality
Replacement locks may alter originality should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.
5. Keep old locks and keys
Keep old locks and keys should be evaluated against the exact maker, model, mechanism, age evidence, restoration history and intended non-gambling use. Photograph the machine before intervention, distinguish original parts from replacements and price freight before assuming a project is inexpensive.
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Require interior photographs, originality disclosure, age evidence and lawful transfer terms.
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