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1906 Mills Double Dewey Upright Slot Machine

About the Item

The Mills Double Dewey Slot machine was crafted by the Mills Novelty Co. of Chicago, Illinois in 1906. This particular machine arrived on a horse-drawn carriage to a private club in Aspen, Colorado. While most slot machines were destroyed during Prohibition, this Double Dewey was hidden from the authorities, allowing it to survive. This machine is in near perfect condition, looking the same as it did as it was first loaded off of the carriage and into the club. The machine’s colored wheels have retained their vibrance and all mirrored surfaces are completely intact. The cabinet is decorated with Fine carvings. One side operates with nickels, with a maximum payout of $2.00. The other side, which we regard as the “high rollers” side, operates with a quarter bet, with a maximum payout of $10.00! Up to twelve people could play on this machine at once. There are between 10-12 Mills Double Deweys that survived Prohibition, with ours being the one that is in the finest condition. We are only the second owners of this machine. Now, who is Dewey? A slot machine is an interesting way to be immortalized, but in 1906, Admiral George Dewey was the perfect candidate for such an honor. George Dewey rose to prominence during the Spanish-American war, for which he was known as Commodore Dewey. Dewey’s most significant win was the Battle of Manila Bay, in the Philippines. On May 1st, 1898, Dewey captured the entire Spanish fleet under Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón, while also silencing Manila’s shore batteries. He did this in under six hours, and with only one life lost on the American side. The significance of this battle is that it allowed America to further expand its interests by becoming a Colonial power in the Pacific Ocean. In 1903, the title of Admiral of the Navy was bestowed upon Dewey; the only person, still, who has ever held that title. Needless to say, at the time of this slot machine’s design, Admiral Dewey was a national hero. Below is the Statute of Congress that created this high ranking position specifically for Dewey.Below is the Statute of Congress that created this high ranking position specifically for Dewey. CHAP 378 – An act creating the office of Admiral of the Navy. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized to appoint, by selection and promotion, an Admiral of the Navy, who shall not be placed upon the retired list except upon his own application; and whenever such office shall be vacated by death or otherwise the office shall cease to exist. Approved, March 2, 1899. Admiral Dewey’s name and face on the slot machine serves to encourage the patron’s success and luck with the game, as Dewey had success with the war. It was an American past time, that immortalized and celebrated an American hero. Other honors and recognition Dewey received included the Civil War Medal, the Spanish Campaign Medal, the Philippine Campaign Medal and the Dewey Medal. A naval destroyer was named after him as well, the USS Dewey, which was built in 1934, nearly seventeen years after his death.

Creator:
Mills Novelty Company (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 71 in (180.34 cm)Width: 53 in (134.62 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
1906
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Completely original, in outstanding condition for its age.
Seller Location:
Aspen, CO
Reference Number:
1stDibs: f153521603044203333fs

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