Vintage arcade machines sell for more than 60k

The collection, with one machine dating back to the 1890s, has all been kept in a room at the Jacksons' home

A father and son's lifetime collection of vintage amusement machines has sold for nearly £64,000 at auction.

Ken Jackson, 89, and his son Stewart Jackson, 49, both from Birmingham, have rescued and restored 82 amusement arcade machines over the span of 34 years.

The father and son developed a love for them during family trips to seaside towns.

Their collection went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Thursday, with bidders from countries including France, Belgium, and Ireland.

Ken Jackson was a cabinet maker by trade which made it easier for him to restore the cabinets on the machines

The lots showcased the history of amusement machines through the decades, dating back to the slot machine's invention in the 1890s through to the 1970s, and included a relic from Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Including auctioneer's fees, the sales total topped £80,000.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: "Life can be a gamble but the Jacksons' lifelong love for slot machines proved to be a winner.

"It was a fantastic sale of an iconic collection. These beautiful works of art lit up the saleroom."

The top price was £7,000 for a Jennings Prospector 1946 Club Console Machine, which would have graced the floors of casinos.

Emblazoned with Nevada Club, it boasted a $1,000 jackpot.

The lots also included a 1970 Bryans Works Penny Go Round, with only two or three known to exist. It brought in £5,500.

Stewart Jackson, aged 10, with his DIY one-armed bandit machine

The collection was sparked by Stewart's love of slot machines and his father’s ability to mend them.

Ken Jackson said his son had become fascinated by them during family trips to Blackpool, Skegness and Torquay.

"This inspired him to build his own primitive slot machine out of cardboard and wood when he was 10," he said.

When his son was 15, they started the collection with a 1961 one-armed bandit.

"When we got it home it wouldn’t work. We took it back and the seller thumped it with a hammer to make it work," Mr Jackson said.

Choosing a more considered approach, the father and son took it apart slowly, taking photographs as they went.

"Eventually it worked correctly. I discovered I really enjoyed restoring machines to their former glory, so I had the bug for more," Mr Jackson said.

Stewart Jackson (left) and Charles Hanson with one of the machines

However, after decades of dedication, the father and son decided it was time to say goodbye.

Ken Jackson said at the age of 89 he was looking to downsize, but the family were keen that the machines went to good homes.