"1 2 3"

"1 2 3", manufactured by Mills Novelty Company in 1940, is a flipperless one-ball payout machine emblematic of pre-war pinball design. Its backglass carries the phrase "The World Famous" ahead of the game name, suggesting Mills was capitalizing on the success of its earlier 1938 title, "One-Two-Three."

Gameplay on "1 2 3" revolves around scoring bumpers, with 12 strategically placed targets providing players with multiple opportunities to rack up points. A motor-driven triangle bumper adds an element of mechanical interest, while the single-ball, five-cent format reflects the pay-per-ball economics of early coin-op pinball. The game's steel playfield was standard construction for machines of this vintage.

While few details are known about the machine's designer or theme, the understated design language of "1 2 3" speaks to the utilitarian aesthetic of early payout pinball. The absence of elaborate artwork or themes allows players to focus on the fundamental gameplay experience. For collectors, its straightforward design and payout-era history make it a treasured relic among pinball enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the early days of coin-operated amusement.