Midway

The Midway, manufactured by Daval Manufacturing Co. in February 1939, is a rare electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from the early days of the game's evolution, produced in one of four different models (plain, reserve, free play, and combination reserve/free play).

The Midway boasts a range of key features typical of pre-flipper era pinball. With five balls per play, players relied on skillful plunging and table nudging to guide the ball toward scoring locations. The inclusion of 14 spring bumpers and 5 trap holes added an extra layer of challenge, requiring players to develop quick reflexes and tactical thinking.

While the exact design inspiration for the Midway is unclear, little is known about the designer or any specific theme behind the game, leaving us to speculate about the creative vision behind it. Regardless, the Midway remains an interesting piece of pinball history that offers a glimpse into the early days of the industry's development, before flippers existed.