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One-Two-Three

Manufacturer: Mills Novelty Company, of Chicago, Illinois, USA (1932-1942)
Year: 1938
Date: February, 1938
Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)
Players: 1

About This Machine

The One-Two-Three, crafted by the Mills Novelty Company in 1938, is a solid example of early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design from the format's formative years. Its release coincided with the burgeoning popularity of pinball in the United States.

The gameplay on the One-Two-Three is characterized by 12 passive bumpers and two spinning bumpers, which are noteworthy due to their chrome-topped design. These spinning bumpers, placed together at the bottom of the playfield, create a unique challenge for players as they rotate in opposite directions - although it isn't known which one spins clockwise or counter-clockwise. The machine's affordability, available for 5 cents per game with just one ball, makes it an intriguing relic of its time.

The One-Two-Three's design and art are typical of the Mills Novelty Company's style from this era, although no specific theme is specified. It is difficult to discern any notable artistic or thematic elements without further information. Nonetheless, the One-Two-Three remains an interesting piece of pinball history, offering a glimpse into the early evolution of the game as we know it today.

Images (39)

Technical Details

Notable Features:
1 ball for 5 cents. Passive bumpers (12), Spinning bumpers (2). The spinning bumpers are the two chrome-topped ones placed together at the bottom of the playfield. One spins clockwise and the other spins counter-clockwise but we do not know which one spins each way.

Credits

Other Files

  • Spinning Reels Magazine Article, Sept 1938, pages 14-17
    335 KB
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