Featured Rigged 1929 H.C. Evans De Luxe Roulette Wheel

I've recently acquired a late 20's early 30's H.C. Evans "Deluxe" Roulette wheel. It was purchased in Omaha NE. The antique store is working on its provenance. I've just finished the restoration. Upon disassembly, I discovered that it was a gaffed wheel. There are two mechanisms on different locations of the outer wheel that are hidden underneath the laminate. I assume the table had hidden electromagnets that would activate these devices. Small pins pop out to make the ball drop after winning numbers pass, dropping the ball in a safe location for the house. I started my research and was only able to find one wheel that used the same type of pins. There are a lot of articles written about "Al Capones Roulette Wheel." The pin system was very similar. I'm just missing the table. I'm looking for an expert on antique roulette wheels. I think this is an extremely rare wheel. Hopefully, I can find someone here to help. The "Goddess of Chance" turret is currently in for repair by a specialist. Thanks for any help

 

Can't help at all, but it's very interesting.

 

I can only imagine what it looked like before, but I'd bet there was a lot of tedious work involved in the restoration. Stellar job...it's gorgeous.

The Mafia probably had more than a handful of these back in the day.

 

This is a before pic. Note the remnants of a mouse nest on the right.

 

Incredible. I have this sneaking suspicion that you've been involved with woodworking for quite some time. Thanks for the before pic.

 

I hope you find your expert, but this might be something you take to a large auction house to assess, since it looks like there are other gaffed roulette wheels that have gone to auction.

Thanks for bringing it here for us to see, regardless. Very interesting find and beautiful work on it.

 

This project seemed like a bit of a gamble but you have left nothing to chance.

It's intriguing that they made wheels that were intended to fiddle. Not sure if it was effective as the ball is supposed to travel in the opposite direction to the wheel. Any winning numbers are soon in view of the ball again. That coupled with the obstacles makes the outcome like a pinball machine and quite random. Maybe it did give the house an additional edge. Who knows.

Regardless of this, it's a beautiful thing and you've done a grand job of restoring it. Straight up

 

Shimmed with a Baby Ruth wrapper!

 

how American !

 

Found this in looking around...if/when you're ready to sell.....I'm sure you'll do some checking auction houses!!! IF you haven't already!!!

https://auctions.potterauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=38191​