Naples

The Williams Naples, manufactured in 1957, is a lesser-known example of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines from designer Harry Williams, the founder of Williams Manufacturing Company, and artist George Molentin. It dates from Williams' later years with the company, before his eventual retirement around the end of the decade.

The Naples offers a typical combination of gameplay elements for its era. Players can enjoy 2 flippers, 2 pop bumpers, and 4 passive bumpers, as well as 2 slingshots and 6 kick-out holes. The machine allows for either 3- or 5-ball play, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game. Additionally, the Naples features double match awards, granting players 10 free replays upon achieving this goal, with a maximum displayed score of 1,999 points per player.

The Naples' design and artwork are typical of its era, with a focus on simple yet visually appealing graphics. Although little is known about the specific inspiration behind the machine's "World Places" theme, it likely reflects the era's general interest in international travel. As one of the lesser-known Williams machines from this period, the Naples remains an interesting find for pinball collectors and historians seeking to understand the evolution of late-1950s electro-mechanical games.