Paramount

The Paramount, manufactured by Bally in 1938, is a flipperless electro-mechanical (EM) machine that showcases pinball design and gameplay from its formative years.

The game's unique features make it an exciting find for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its 5-ball play at just 5 cents was a notable draw, allowing players to experience more extended gameplay. The use of spring bumpers and a captive ball adds an extra layer of challenge and reward, while the shooter lane enables the ball to loop around the playfield in a 360-degree arc before entering play. The spinning captive ball on the lower playfield arch is another distinctive feature, activated by playfield rollover switches for increased scoring opportunities.

From a design perspective, the Paramount's cabinet dimensions - measuring 44 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 62 inches high - were typical of early pinball machines. Its theme of air racing and aviation sets it apart from other games of its era. Unfortunately, little is known about the machine's specific designer or any notable anecdotes surrounding its creation, though it was sold in three variants: a payout model, a high-score novelty model, and a free-play model. Nonetheless, the Paramount remains an interesting piece of pinball history.