A readily awaited Victorian casino antiques auction is to be held on January 19-20, featuring a host of unusual lots, including an impressive coin operated music machine. The rare, coin operated, Mills Novelty Violano Virtuoso musical and entertainment machine, which was manufactured circa 1907, carries a $16,000-160,000 presale estimate.

Although the wide reaching estimate may appear strange at first, it is in fact quite conventional in relation to Victorian coin operated antiques, which are generally given spacious estimates.

The rare, coin operated, Mills Novelty Violano Virtuoso musical and entertainment machine, which features a combination violin and piano concert

Other notable lots include a 5c cast-iron Watling Color Match gambling machine with a side mount gum vendor, which carries a $12,000-80,000 estimate, and a 25c Caille Big Six upright slot machine, which has been valued at $10,000-100,000.

A 5c cast-iron Watling Color Match gambling machine with a side mount gum vendor, which carries a $12,000-80,000 estimate

The auction serves to highlight the mechanical advances made during the Victorian era, and the way in which these advances were quickly transformed into mechanical entertainments, slotting seamlessly into people's everyday lives.

A stunning 25c Caille Big Six upright slot machine, which has been valued at $10,000-100,000.

In addition to the mechanical and coin operated gambling machines on offer, advertising posters, faro tables and roulette wheels are also to feature in the eclectic sale, which communicates a great deal about the American entertainment industry at the turn of the 20th century.    

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we also have an array of unique and intriguing collectibles in stock, including an incredibly rare ticker tape machine, which was invented by Thomas Edison at the age of 22. One of the earliest inventions by one of the most important inventors in human history, it also qualifies for our 120% Guarantee - the equivalent to a 4% pa rate of interest during your first five years of ownership.

For auction updates, sign up for the Paul Fraser Collectibles free weekly newsletter.