Key Lite

The Key Lite, manufactured by Bally in 1938, is a flipperless novelty pinball machine from the electro-mechanical (EM) era. It is notable for its use of multiple balls and trap holes, features that were common to the flipperless games of the period.

In terms of gameplay, players insert 5 cents to play with a maximum of five balls on each credit. This was a relatively standard feature in EM machines during the late 1930s. The presence of 11 trap holes adds a layer of challenge, as these small openings were designed to capture stray balls as they moved across the playfield.

Despite being over 80 years old, the Key Lite's design remains somewhat mysterious. Very little information is available about its original artwork or theme, and no designer credits are listed. Bally's records show this Model 314 version was produced in December 1938, following an earlier Model 270 of the same name from August 1938; the differences between the two are unknown. This lack of documentation only adds to the allure of this rare and historic pinball machine, making it a fascinating find for collectors and historians alike.