For their assistance in this regard, we're most grateful to the late Roger Schroeder, the late Ivor F, Tim Dannels, David Owen, Adrian Duncan, Bert Streigler, Nick Brooks, Dave Campling, Paul Rossitter, Peter Scott, Peter Coleman, Stan Pilgrim and even the late Peter Chinn. A large sample of serial numbers was assembled to form the basis for this study.

In this context, a recent analysis of Mills Brothers serial numbers has turned up some interesting information which seems to be well worth sharing. This is as true of familiar marques such as Mills as it is of any of the less common products. The jackpot meter is near the reels.For anyone interested in model engines, the issues of serial numbers and production figures must always be matters of interest, both from the standpoint of model identification and for the assessment of a given engine's relative rarity. Pictured below is a Vest Pocket machine with jackpot meter. Even paying larger awards back to back, the machine recovers rapidly enough to pay correctly. I have played the VP for extended periods and have not yet drained the payouttube in normal play. My Pace machine holds 90 coins in its payout tube. This is less than half of a full-sizedbell. Some award cards showed the value of a Jackpot at 70, which included 20 coins from the machine. No model payed a Jackpot in cash, but recorded the hit on a meter with the payout being over the counter. This machine is a Model 420, so it does not have a Jackpot. The Mills Vest Pocket is a fully automatic bell paying the same odds asa Mystery bell, that is, 3-5-10-14-18-20. Sega acquired rights to manufacture the Vest Pocket in the '50s. Variations of color and a locking payout cup cover were Mills options. Model 425C Same as 425 with chrome finish case Model 423C Same as 423 with chrome finish case Same as 420 with Jackpot register and reward plate. Model 421 5c Cigarette reels and reward plate. Model 420C Same as 420 except for case which is chrome finish. Model 420 5c Fruit Reels, Gold and Blue Midget Bell

The payout cup was also concealed by a cover. The award card flips over to conceal the reels (from law enforcement,supposedly). The reels are covered when the machine is not in operation. It is fully automatic and pays out like a Mystery bell, however it has no jackpot (at introduction). The Vest Pocket Bell works with a push-pull slot-it has no handle.

It measures only 8' x 7' x 8' and weighs15 pounds. The Mills Vest Pocket bell was introduced in 1938 and was in production into the '50s.

Mills vest pocket slot machine