(Item 211)
The Abel Nau “Le Phénix” is a fascinating anomaly in gambling history—a machine with a French name and soul, but an American “birth certificate.”
The “Le Phénix” (The Phoenix)
While Pierre-Abel Nau was a French inventor/distributor, these machines were often manufactured in the United States (frequently in Chicago, the slot machine capital of the world) to bypass strict import/export tariffs and to leverage the superior precision casting available in American factories at the turn of the century. Metal accents having variegated copper finish.
Key Features of Item
The Mechanism: This isn’t just a standard 3-reel slot. It is a Musical Fortune Teller. When you drop a coin and crank the handle, a central wheel spins, a music box inside plays a tune, and the machine eventually delivers either a printed fortune or a payout token.
Original Payout Tokens (#150): Finding an antique slot with its original branded tokens is extremely rare. These were used to bypass gambling laws; the machine paid in “trade tokens” (good for a cigar or a drink at the bar) rather than cash, which allowed it to be legally placed in establishments.
The Restoration Detail: The fact that the “lower payout card window” has been fitted with correct period glass is a major plus. In the world of high-end coin-op, “new” glass is a value-killer. Using authentic, wavy, or “old” glass preserves the machine’s potential.
Investment & Rarity
Historical Sale: A similar Le Phénix model sold at Morphy Auctions for $11,685.
The “Patina” Factor: Collectors today value “original patina” over a flashy, over-restored chrome look. If the wood cabinet and the cast-iron castings show their age gracefully without being pitted or rotted, it is significantly more desirable.
- Please email for price.
