Grand Prize

The Grand Prize pinball machine, manufactured by Western Equipment & Supply Company of Chicago in January 1937, is a rare electro-mechanical example of the one-ball horserace payout games that flourished in the 1930s. Its chief historical claim is a bold one: the manufacturer advertised it as the first automatic payout table with a jackpot, placing it at the intersection of pinball and the era's coin-operated gambling equipment.

In keeping with its genre, Grand Prize plays one ball per coin — every plunge carried real stakes, since a single shot determined the payout. Powering the game is an interesting period detail: operators could choose between batteries or a Stancor Univerter, highlighting the improvised state of power supply in early electro-mechanical games. The machine measures a substantial 60 inches long by 24 inches wide.

The horse racing theme transports players to the track, a natural pairing for a wagering-style game. The designer and the specifics of the artwork remain unknown, leaving room for speculation among enthusiasts. Its rarity, its advertised jackpot innovation, and its place in the payout-game boom of the 1930s make Grand Prize an intriguing piece for collectors and historians of the pinball industry.