Majestic (Jr)

The Majestic (Jr) pinball machine, manufactured by Standard Manufacturing Company of Chicago in October 1932, is an early example from the formative, pure-mechanical era of pinball, when the coin-operated pinball industry itself was only about a year old. Distributed by Gottlieb, it represents an early entry in what would soon become a rapidly growing industry.

What makes the Majestic (Jr) notable is its pure mechanical design, which relies solely on gravity, springs, and levers to control gameplay, with no electrical components -- flippers and electromechanical features were still years away. Players could enjoy 10 balls for just five cents, an affordable price point during the Great Depression. Contemporary advertisements differ on whether the machine used aluminum fittings alone or a mix of aluminum and brass.

The Majestic (Jr) carries a nautical theme, likely inspired by the RMS Majestic, the largest luxury liner of its day. The game measured 18 inches wide by 32 inches long and was priced at $16.50, with a wood or metal stand available at extra cost. Little additional information survives about this machine, making it an intriguing artifact for enthusiasts researching pinball's earliest mechanical-era offerings.