Rag Mop

Rag Mop, produced by Williams Manufacturing Company in 1950, is a notable example of early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design. As one of Harry Williams' creations, it showcases the innovative spirit that defined the industry's infancy. Rag Mop's presence in pinball history is significant due to its relatively rare survival and unique features.

The machine boasts several key gameplay elements, including a single flipper, two pop bumpers, a passive bumper, and four kick-out holes. The left kickback lane adds an element of surprise, as the ball can be sent back into play from this area. Interestingly, the tilt penalty is reset by simply allowing the ball to pass through the roll-under wire at the bottom of the playfield below the flipper. These distinctive features contribute to Rag Mop's charm and set it apart from its contemporaries.

Artistically, Rag Mop is a representation of the carefree spirit of the 1950s, with its music and dancing theme reflected in the colorful, whimsical design. The machine's aesthetic, while not elaborate by modern standards, exudes a sense of nostalgia for the era in which it was created. Unfortunately, little additional information about Rag Mop has been uncovered through research, leaving enthusiasts to appreciate this relic of pinball's early days based on its mechanical and artistic merits alone.