GAMBLING enthusiasts take note: An antique slot machine made on the island more than 40 years ago could be yours - for $2,395.

The machine, complete with a hand-made cabinet made in Dockyard, is one of hundreds which were shipped to London to be manufactured and eventually sold to gaming establishments.

"We made many machines but this particular one is one of only 100 of its kind," said its owner, Pat Sykes. "The electrical parts were made in Chicago but the cabinetry was all made in Dockyard at my husband Roy's factory, the General Sales Company Ltd.

"It has a component on it that counts cash that revolutionsed the slot industry throughout the world. It never existed before and was perfected here in Bermuda."

Mrs. Sykes said that her husband's company was forced to stop producing the cabinets and, in fact, close completely, after a strike by the union against half-trained labourers.

"The union was becoming quite powerful," she said, "and we decided it was not a very viable arena and picked up and left. A few years ago, my brother spotted the slot machine somewhere in England, recognised it as one of ours, traded it for something and had it shipped here to me as a present.

"We had it changed so that it accepted quarters instead of shillings and kept it here in my bar, mainly for my own amusement."

Unfortunately, said Mrs. Sykes, she and her husband are leaving the island for good and have decided to leave the slot machine behind as well.

Anyone interested in the machine may reach Mrs. Sykes at 236-3318.