Happy Midget

The Happy Midget, manufactured by Olympic Games Manufacturing Company in 1932, marks one of the earliest recorded examples of a mechanical pinball game. As such, it holds significant importance in the history of the industry, predating the development of electromechanical and electronic games that followed. Its existence is a testament to the evolving nature of entertainment technology during this period.

The Happy Midget operates on a pure mechanical (PM) design, characteristic of early pinball machines. Players can choose between 1-cent or 5-cent play, a feature likely intended for accessibility and affordability. The game's playing board features a walnut finish cabinet with a 4-color design, which would have been visually striking at the time. Measurements indicate it is 21 1/2 inches long by 13 inches wide.

There is limited information available on the Happy Midget's gameplay mechanics or theme, as these details were not documented in any known sources. It is possible that the game relied on standard mechanical pinball rules and design elements of its time. Despite this lack of specificity, the Happy Midget remains an intriguing piece of early pinball history, offering a glimpse into the development of the industry during the 1930s.