Roll-Itt

The Roll-Itt, manufactured by Mason and Company of Newark, New Jersey in 1932, is one of the earliest known examples of a pure mechanical pinball machine. As such, it holds significant importance in the history of the game, predating the more common electromechanical (EM) and solid-state machines that followed.

Gameplay-wise, the Roll-Itt offers a straightforward experience: players feed in five cents and are rewarded with 10 balls released into play via a metal ball shooter lane on the left side of the machine. The round metal playfield, measuring approximately 32 inches long by 18 inches wide, provides a compact yet engaging space for gameplay, set in a walnut cabinet. One notable detail is that one of the balls is described as copper, used for double scoring.

As with many early pinball machines, the Roll-Itt's design and artwork are relatively plain compared to modern standards. However, its age and rarity make it an attractive collector's item among enthusiasts. Unfortunately, little information is available regarding the machine's designer or any specific theme or concept behind its creation. Its existence as one of the earliest known pinball machines, however, makes it a fascinating piece for historians and collectors alike.