Register

The Register, manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in 1934, holds a special place in pinball history as one of the earliest and most influential mechanical pinball machines ever produced. As the first patented game design to bear David Gottlieb's name, this machine showcases the innovative spirit that defined the early days of pinball. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its pioneering use of a mechanical progressive score counter, which allowed players to track their scores with unprecedented accuracy.

Gameplay on the Register is characterized by its unique combination of simplicity and challenge. Players can launch 10 balls into play for just five cents, navigating a compact playfield with snap traps waiting to capture any stray balls. The machine's most distinctive feature, however, lies in its use of Bakelite, a early plastic material used to create the playfield. Available in either black or red, this vibrant finish not only adds visual appeal but also serves as a testament to the resourcefulness of Gottlieb's engineers.

As one of the earliest pinball machines, the Register's design and art are refreshingly straightforward, lacking the elaborate themes that would become hallmarks of later pinball designs. Instead, players can appreciate the clean lines, simple graphics, and innovative mechanical features that made this machine a pioneering force in the development of the pinball industry.