1940s Watling 5¢ Cherry Front Twin Jackpot Rol-A-Top Slot Machine — A Rare and Beautifully Restored Icon
A true symbol of the golden age of American gaming, this Watling 5¢ Cherry Front Twin Jackpot Rol-A-Top slot machine stands among the most desirable vintage slot machines ever produced. Originally manufactured in the 1940s by the Watling Manufacturing Company of Chicago, this exceptional example has been fully restored to its period-correct finish, highlighting the artistry, engineering, and craftsmanship that made Watling a legendary name in coin-operated history.
A Masterpiece of Design and Restoration
The Rol-A-Top series is widely recognized as one of the most ornate and beautifully designed slot machine lines of the early 20th century. This model — the 5-cent “Cherry Front Twin Jackpot” — features the iconic red cherry clusters, golden eagle, and twin jackpot windows framed in high-relief cast metal.
Maker: Watling Manufacturing Co., Chicago, IL
Model: Cherry Front Twin Jackpot Rol-A-Top
Denomination: 5¢ Nickel
Era: Circa 1940s
Dimensions: 26" H × 16" W × 16" D
Condition: Fully restored with gold plating and hand-painted detailing
Glass: Original twin jackpot wire glass windows
Coin mechanism: Functional (coins not included)
This restoration was completed to museum-grade standards, replicating the original color palette and preserving original mechanical integrity. The machine is mounted on a solid wood base for display and stability.
History of the Watling Manufacturing Company
Founded in Chicago in the late 19th century, Watling Manufacturing Co. quickly became one of America’s foremost producers of slot machines, scales, and vending devices. The company’s Rol-A-Top models, introduced in the 1930s, revolutionized the gaming industry with their domed tops, intricate castings, and innovative jackpot features.
The Twin Jackpot variation — offering two separate payout compartments — was both a visual and mechanical advancement, making it one of the most collectible pieces from the brand’s later production years.
Rarity and Collector Value
Fully restored and authentic Watling Rol-A-Tops are becoming increasingly scarce, especially in nickel denomination and twin-jackpot configurations. Depending on originality, restoration quality, and provenance, these machines routinely command $8,000 to $12,000 in the collector market, with pristine or historically significant examples reaching higher valuations.
Due to state restrictions on the sale of antique gaming machines, legal purchase and ownership are limited to certain jurisdictions — an important factor for collectors to verify before acquisition.
Professional Authentication and Appraisal for Mechanical Antiques
Mechanical collectibles such as antique slot machines, cash registers, jukeboxes, and arcade devices require specialized authentication and valuation expertise. Details like plating, casting marks, and mechanism originality can drastically affect market value.
At DJR Authentication, we provide expert appraisals, authentication reports, and resale consultation for fine mechanical antiques and Americana — suitable for insurance, estate, or investment documentation.
Learn more about DJR Authentication’s full range of appraisal and authentication services for high-value collectibles and historical artifacts.
