Barrel Roll

The Barrel Roll, manufactured by Allied Amusement Company of Los Angeles in 1935, is a rare and significant electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine. As one of the earliest pinball machines from this era, it holds a special place in the history of the game. With its compact size of 44 inches long and 22 inches wide, the Barrel Roll was designed to be a coin-operated game for amusement parks and arcades.

One of the most notable features of the Barrel Roll is its intricate gameplay mechanics. The machine boasts 17 trap holes, 2 free play holes, and 2 vertical up-kickers, which add complexity and challenge to the player's experience. The unique "revolving reels" feature allows for a thrilling lift-off mechanism, where balls are deposited into scoring pockets via two habitrails and three lighted reels. A clever rollover in the upper playfield also triggers draw bridges on the habitrails, further enhancing gameplay.

The Barrel Roll's design is minimalist yet functional, reflecting the aesthetic of its time. Unfortunately, no detailed information about its artwork or theme is available, which is not uncommon for machines from this era. Nevertheless, the machine's rarity and historical significance make it an exciting find for pinball enthusiasts and collectors.