Olde King Cole

The Olde King Cole, designed by Harry Mabs and manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in May 1948, is an early entry in the flipper era of pinball, arriving just a year after Gottlieb introduced flippers to the medium. This machine's charm and craftsmanship have made it a sought-after collector's item among pinball enthusiasts.

The gameplay on Olde King Cole is characterized by its six flippers, a configuration that was still a novelty in the young flipper era. The addition of kick-out holes adds an extra level of challenge to the game, as players must navigate the ball through tight spaces to avoid losing it. Ten passive bumpers make for a dynamic and unpredictable experience.

The machine's theme is perhaps one of its most charming aspects - Olde King Cole takes players on a whimsical journey inspired by the traditional English nursery rhyme (itself apparently based on a real historical figure, Coel Hen of Siluria, a king in Britain around 125 A.D.). The artwork by Roy Parker features illustrations reminiscent of classic children's book illustrations, adding to the game's nostalgic charm. With 1,500 units confirmed produced, it stands as a well-documented example of Gottlieb's early flipper-era output.