Jostle

The Royal Novelty Company's Jostle is an early pure mechanical (PM) pinball machine, manufactured in October 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland. As a PM machine, Jostle relies solely on mechanical components to facilitate gameplay, predating the electromechanical and electronic pinball machines that followed.

Gameplay on Jostle is simple: players insert a nickel to play, aiming to get their ball into scoring holes. The single-player game measures 36 inches long, sits 10 inches high in back and 8 inches high in front, and rests on a 30-inch wooden stand.

Little is known about Jostle's specific design or theme, which is not uncommon for machines from this era. Its playfield layout is reportedly identical to the Lucky Strike Manufacturing Company's 1932 'Lucky Strike (Marble)', both believed to be clones of the earlier 'Whiffle' game. Its age and mechanical nature make it an interesting piece for enthusiasts looking to understand the early development of the game.