Witherell Auctions
Timed Auction

LUXURY ASSET AUCTION

Sun, Sep 14, 2025 02:00PM EDT - Sun, Sep 28, 2025 07:00PM EDT
Lot 106

Jim Smock Carved and Painted One-Armed Bandit 5-Cent Slot Machine Featuring Mills “Hi-Top” Slot, ca. 1946–1952

Estimate: $2,500 - $5,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $20
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$5,000 $200
$10,000 $500
$50,000 $1,000
A striking Western-themed slot machine sculpture carved and painted by Jim Smock, known for his large-scale folk art figures incorporating authentic gaming devices. This full-size cowboy figure integrates a working Mills “Hi-Top” 5-cent slot machine, manufactured circa 1946–1952. The Hi-Top was Mills Novelty Company’s final and most successful mechanical slot, renowned for its reliability and sleek chrome design. Smock’s cowboy is humorously rendered as a “one-armed bandit,” with the slot machine handle forming the figure’s right arm. The carved bandit wears a broad-brimmed hat, red bandana, painted revolver, and classic cowboy boots, standing atop a circular base stylized as an oversized 1890 Morgan silver dollar—symbolizing American numismatic heritage and frontier culture. Jim Smock carved these figures as nostalgic tributes to Western Americana and gambling history, each example distinct in character and expression. His works are sought after by collectors of folk art and gaming memorabilia for their craftsmanship and cultural resonance. The term “one-armed bandit” refers to traditional slot machines operated by a single lever (“arm”), notorious for taking players’ coins, hence the nickname “bandit.” Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 69 inches high. Free local pickup in Gardnerville, NV. For blanket-wrapped delivery within California, we recommend contacting Delbert McCrea at (831) 566-6088 . For cross-country shipping, CCC Transport can be reached at (920) 450-5027 .

Condition

Excellent overall with likely original paint and surface. Slot machine mechanism appears clean, operational, and includes original Mills key (K37267).

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Acquired by the present owner in the 1970s from a Bay Area collector.