The Charm of Vintage Slot Machines: An Extensive Analysis The origins of vintage slots can be traced back to the late 1800s. Charles Fey created the Liberty Bell, the first mechanical slot maslots indchine, in San Francisco in 1895. Three spinning reels with symbols like diamonds, horseshoes, & the famous Liberty Bell were part of this ground-breaking creation. After flipping a coin & pulling a lever, players would wait for a winning combination to appear. Due in large part to its simplicity, this machine quickly gained popularity in bars & saloons across the United States.