Founded by Tom Demont in 2015, The Antique Key Machines Museum Of America houses some of the rarest key machines in the World. Most of the machines are from Tom’s personal collection. The remainder are donated from enthusiasts around the world.
View vintage ads, as well as scans of original patents and photos in the Literature section. You can find a variety of machines posted in the Gallery. Restoration and Repair. Restoration of mechanical gambling devices and slot machines from all manufacturers. Cosmetic and mechanical restoration.
Key Machine History
The first production pin tumbler lock cylinder was invented by Linus Yale Jr. in 1861. With the production of mass produced pin tumbler cylinders keys needed to me mass produced and that led to the reciprocating file cutters. Few of these have survived over the years and that makes them very rare.
Did you know that the first production key machine was invented in 1878 and patented in 1895? The inventor was Edmund R. Darling of Providence RI. He applied for a patent on February 14, 1895 and was granted the patent in October 22, 1895. Mr. Darling then licensed the Graham Mfg. Co., of Derby CT to manufacture and distribute his key machine.
The Slot Museum
Graham offered this machine in a hand crank and a flat belt driven model. With either machine you received a large fiber cutting wheel or a steel saw type cutting wheel. Both were available with a 6” to 9” in diameter cutting wheels.
Key Machines are fascinating and the history is extensive. Keys came in all shapes and sized and for every unique key came a key machine to duplicate that key. Some machines were designed to duplicate many different types of keys and some were designed to only cut one type of key.
Vintage Slot Machines For Sale
Our museum features over 200 different key machines and as you go through the evaluation of key machines you will notice the design and engineering changes that made these machines more sophisticated and durable.
Come Visit Us!
Old Slot Machines For Sale
If you have any questions about our hours of operation, how to get here, or you would like a private viewing please call or email us.
Antique Key Machine Museum Of America
Founded by Tom Demont in 2015, The Antique Key Machines Museum Of America houses some of the rarest key machines in the World. Most of the machines are from Tom's personal collection. The remainder are donated from enthusiasts around the world. Call to schedule a private showing.
Coming Soon Vintage Key Machines
Coming Soon American Key Machines
Coming Soon New Key Machines
Coming Soon Rare Key Machines
Coming Soon Tom's Favorite