Jungle Hunt
About This Machine
Jungle Hunt, manufactured by Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) in June 1935, is an early example of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball from an era when the technology itself was still new. ESCO's contributions to the development of pinball are often overlooked, making Jungle Hunt an interesting artifact for historians and enthusiasts alike.
Gameplay features a relatively simple, single-player design, with no clear theme or notable objectives recorded. Players aim to hit targets on the playfield to earn points. What makes Jungle Hunt notable is its electro-mechanical construction, which utilized relays and electrical contacts to control gameplay -- part of the early wave of EM innovation in the mid-1930s.
Jungle Hunt remains an intriguing piece of pinball history. Its design and art are relatively understated compared to other machines from this era. Unfortunately, little is known about its designer or any specific features that may have set it apart. Nonetheless, Jungle Hunt serves as a reminder of the early days of pinball and the pioneers who helped shape the industry into what we know today.