Mills Firefly “Electricity Is Life” Arcade Electric Shock Machine

This is an authentic and original Mills Firefly arcade shock machine from the very early 1900’s. The outer case has been expertly refinished to its original condition and the inner mechanism has been cleaned and serviced to work like new.

These shock machines were popular in the early 1900’s at a time in history when people were awed by the possible uses of electricity. The idea here is to insert a coin in the lion’s head and turn the lower right handle until you can’t take the shock anymore. It works, and works well! This antique machine comes in a solid all-steel case; overall size is 12” X 9” X 7. The marquee sign at the top is a copy of the original. It says “Electricity Cures Many Ills, Drop Coin in Slot, Grasp Handles, Turn Right One Slowly.” And “Take a Shock”, “It’s Great Try It!”

These old machines used No.6 size cylinder shaped 1 1/2V batteries. Today, such batteries are difficult to find but this machine has an exact replica EverReady battery with four easy to replace standard “C” cell batteries inside the shell.

I doubt that you can find a Mills shock machine in as nice a condition as this.