Reno

The Reno, manufactured by Fred W. Kramer Amusement Company of Savannah, Georgia in June 1932, is a rare and significant example of early pinball history. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) payout machine, it predates the electromechanical era that would revolutionize the industry in the following decades. The Reno's mechanical design and gameplay mechanics showcase the ingenuity of its creators, who crafted a game that could be enjoyed by players with minimal technical complexity.

The Reno's gameplay features are simple yet intriguing. Players deposit nickels to play, and every fifth nickel deposited goes into a jackpot visible through a window on the front of the cabinet. Notably, this jackpot was not paid out automatically by the machine; instead, it was paid out by the location where the game was played. This unique aspect highlights the early days of coin-operated pinball, where games were often tied to specific venues and operated under varying local rules.

Despite its age, the Reno's design and art remain relatively understated compared to later pinball machines, reflective of the era's more straightforward aesthetic. Little is known about the designer or any notable trivia surrounding this machine. Nonetheless, the Reno's rarity and historical significance make it an interesting artifact for anyone studying the origins of coin-operated pinball.