High-Lite

High-Lite, manufactured by Daval Manufacturing Co. of Chicago in August 1939, is a flipperless electro-mechanical pinball machine from the final year of Daval's run as a game maker (1934-1939). Its dancing, pageantry, and girls theme reflects the popular imagery of late-1930s coin-op games.

Like many machines of its day, High-Lite offered five balls for five cents. The playfield is populated with 17 spring bumpers, and a free-play hole gives skilled players a shot at another game. The machine was available in both Novelty and Free Play models, letting operators tailor it to local regulations and tastes.

Little else is documented about High-Lite's designer, artist, or production run, but as a late Daval game it offers a glimpse into the flipperless era of pinball, when spring bumpers and payout-free novelty play defined the state of the art.