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The marked parts are missing on my Aristocrat.
Still, the machine is working.
What function do they have?

Can we see a photo of the machine? Could be this is part of a special feature (advancing the count every time the handle is pulled). If it's not there, and the machine is working correctly... how do you know it's missing?

I have two Mad Melons.
If I compare this with the other, these parts are missing.

Or, as coppinpr says were never fitted in the first place
The vertical bracket on the right is merely clamping the anvil and its holding bolt to prevent accidental loosening. Which in turn would completely bugger up the timing of the cycle.
The bit on the left appears to be a lever that reacts to the back axle dropping when the reels are kicked.

I don't remember having seen one before, and without having it on a table sitting in front of us it's hard to imagine the purpose.
The Australian mechanisms are well designed and pretty well bomb proof.
There is little value in thinking that because you have two Mad Melons they should be identical. Either mechanism or even both of them might have started life in different cases.
I wouldn't worry about it.

BP

Thanks to both of you for clear explanations.