Screwy

Screwy, manufactured by Bally in 1932, holds a special place in the annals of pinball history. As one of the earliest mechanical pinball machines, it predates the electromechanical era and represents a transitional phase between purely mechanical and electronic games. Designed by Raymond T. Moloney, Screwy's design was innovative for its time, featuring a unique "Figure 8" playfield layout that added complexity to gameplay.

A notable aspect of Screwy is its affordable gameplay options: players could choose to play with either 7 balls for 1 cent or 10 balls for 5 cents. This accessibility made pinball more accessible to the masses and contributed to its growing popularity in the early 20th century. While theme-wise, Screwy lacks a specific narrative, its mechanical intricacies and clever design make it an intriguing piece of pinball history.

The cabinet's dimensions and weight (30 inches long, 15 1/2 inches wide, 7 inches high in front, 9 inches high in back, weighing 30 lbs) provide insight into the construction techniques and materials used during this era. Unfortunately, due to limited research and documentation, more information about Screwy remains a mystery. Nevertheless, its early mechanical design makes it an essential piece for pinball enthusiasts interested in the evolution of the game.