King Pin

The King Pin, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in December 1951, is a distinctive electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine with a bowling theme, a popular subject for early pinball design. No designer credit for this game is listed.

One of the most distinctive features of the King Pin is its reverse flippers, an unusual configuration in which pressing either flipper button activates both flippers simultaneously - a design choice that sets it apart from the more common independently-controlled flipper layouts of the era. The machine also boasts seven pop bumpers and two passive bumpers, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to gameplay, along with five kick-out holes. The unique mechanical backbox animation features four-inch numbered pins suspended above the playfield, which raise up when corresponding pop bumpers or rollovers are hit - a fitting nod to its bowling theme.

The King Pin's design reflects the era in which it was created, with a focus on clean lines, simple colors, and a straightforward theme. This 1951 pinball machine remains an interesting piece of gaming history, offering insight into the variety of gimmicks manufacturers experimented with during pinball's electro-mechanical golden age.