Rol-A-Tor was produced by Watling Manufacturing Co. Watling Manufacturing Co. Released 179 different machines in our database under this trade name, starting in 1896. Playing an unrestored complete original Watling 3-reel slot machine from the mid-1930s. Vintage Watling Rol-A-Tor (Not Rol-A-Top) 3 Reel Casino Slot Machine - Duration: 3:46. John Zuk 761 views.
| Before & After Restoration Of a Classic 5c Watling Rol-A-Top Coin Front Slot Machine by Nations Attic |
I am always ecstatic to restore a Watling Cherry front, aWatling Rol-A-Top, a Watling Rol-A-Tor, or a Watling Bird of Paradise back toits original brilliance.A lot of theWatling machines are no longer in good original condition.When the antique slot machine is too far frombeing in original condition, I feel very privileged to have the opportunity towork on the machine.
I have personally restored numerous Watling slot machines.Once the castings are strippedof all the old paint and buffed to a high shine, the castings then need to becleaned of all buffing material.Ittruly is necessary to take your time in doing an excellent cleaning job, beforeany painting can occur.| Close-Up Of Rare Cherry Front Rol-A-Top Before & After Restoration By Nations Attic |
Back in the day, Watling used a paint that was iridescent orsomewhat see through.The castings needto be very clean and buffed to a high shine, for the iridescent paint to reallyreveal the beauty of the castings.TheWatling Cherry front would have had a red iridescent paint on the cherries,while the coins on a Watling Rol-A-Tor, Watling Rol-A-Top or Watling Bird ofParadise would have had a gold iridescent paint.
| Close-Up Of A Watling Rol-A-Top Bird of Paradise With Original Factory Gold Paint |
Don teases me at times, because I want every machine to beas perfect as it possibly can be.Ialmost obsess over each and every detail that goes into making a machine asperfect as possible.I know that ourcustomers treasure their machines and I treat them as I would treat my ownmachines.I care for all of the machinesthat we ever handle and sometimes I begin to feel attached to them.That is why he teases me!
| Example Of A US Coin Front Rol-A-Top Lower Casting Before & After Detailed Restoration by Nations Attic |
Often, we will get in a machine and the paint is notperfectly straight or a decal may have been slapped on the side of the wood ina crooked position.Basically, themachine would show some kind of ‘rush’ action during the building of themachine.It always makes me wonderwhy.If only we could hear stories aboutthese machines being built and the need to get them out as fast aspossible.
Don reminds me that when these machines were beingmanufactured they were a device to make money, not a family heirloom, familystory or a collectible.Yes, that doesput things into perspective.
However, I do know how to properly restore a Watling machine.Once the iridescent paint is onthe castings, I hand paint everything else.This is important, because when a casting has been buffed to a highshine, sometimes it is difficult for paint to adhere.Plus, they hand painted the machines back inthe day!I have my method down (which isa secret) and I take lots and lots of time carefully hand painting.It is crucial to take your time to havestraight lines and NO brush strokes.
| The Oak Cabinet, Back Bonnet and Other Parts Get The Same First Classic Treatment As The Front On This Rol-A-Top |
At this time, Don and I do not own a Watling Cherry front,Watling Rol-A-Tor, Watling Rol-A-Top or Watling Bird of Paradise in ourpersonal collection.I truly would loveto own one of these wonderful machines.If you happen to have one, I am definitely a buyer.Or if you have a machine that needs to berestored or repaired, I am more than happy to send you some photos of the workwe have completed on some other machines.
Oh, and if you or anyone in your family worked for theWatling company, we would be beyond thrilled to hear your stories and see anyphotos you might have available! Please call us at 316-371-1828 or email slots@nationsattic.com
Also, please click on any of the photos in this blog to view the photos in more detail.
Also, please click on any of the photos in this blog to view the photos in more detail.