Auction Hunters: Season 1, Episode 3: “Ton’s Got a Gun.”
Allen and Ton drove to the San Fernando Valley. Their competition for today’s auction: Dead Fred (he found a dead body in a storage unit, ew); The Gambler (high risk taker), and the Russian Assassin who will steal your room at the last minute.
I know, the players sounds like a really bad “B” movie, but it worked for a fun show. With only two storage units up for auction, the Haff-Ton team must strike with aggression. Unfortunately the first locker bid’s over their limit as The Gambler took the risk and paid retail for the room.
Estate Unit
Allen’s first find was a vintage Coka-Cola crate made in 1968. Ton discovered a silver spoon made by Rodgers in 1848. Hickory golf clubs made in 1930s.
Winchester wooden box full of ammo and you guessed it, a gun. A Colt patented in 1871.
Fact: The Colt “Single Action Army” was designed for the U.S. Calvary in 1873.
Allen and Ton took their gun to weapons expert Blaze who called the gun a peacemaker.
Fact: It was called a “Peacemaker,” because of its ability to settle scores quickly.
With closer inspection Blaze saw the US stamp on the gun which states that it’s a military issued weapon. Serial numbers 
matched. Condition of Colt at 30%, not good. Dents, dings, and dangs also devaluated the gun. Interior barrel of the gun, or the bore, was nice and crisp, which will fire with greater accuracy. SOLD to Blaze for $6,600.
Second cool find was a slot machine made by Mill Novelty in Chicago in art deco style with wood.
Fact: Slot machines now account for half of all gambling games played today.
This particular machine made around the 1930s. It took nickels.
Fact: Slot machines were called “one-armed bandits,” because they left the gamer penniless.
Allen and Ton went to antique expert Dennis at Off The Wall shop. He stated that this model, made in 1929, was the first time slot machines used the term “Jackpot.” This was to help elevate the mood during the Great Depression.
Ton used a drill to open the back of the machine since they did not have a key to open the lock. Whatever works, Ton. Once the back was opened, Dennis had a chance to inspect the inner parts. Yes! All original parts, SOLD to Dennis for $2,650.
Last cool find was a mini bike or as Ton called it, “Fat Kid Fun.” Hey, he said it, not me. Mini bike had a custom-built wheelie bar to pop wheelies.
Fact: The first mini bikes were made by mechanics out of spare parts.
Allen and Ton went to mini bike expert Evil Ed. A mini bike enthusiast there liked the vintage bike. SOLD for $200.
Auction Total:
Paid: $1,900
Sold: $9,450
Profit: $7,550
Allen and Ton went to Mission Hills and quadrupled their money. Mission Accomplished!
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