Seven Flashers

Seven Flashers, manufactured by Western Products, Incorporated from 1938 to 1941, is a one-ball horserace-themed pinball machine from the early days of the industry. As an electro-mechanical (EM) machine, it showcases the transition from early, often simplistic games to more sophisticated play mechanisms.

The gameplay on Seven Flashers is straightforward yet engaging. Players insert one nickel, which allows them to play with one ball; inserting up to six coins enables multiple-ball play in jurisdictions where this was allowed by law. The game's simplicity belies a certain elegance in its design, particularly in the use of trap holes – 28 in total – which serve as obstacles for the single ball. A skill lane option was available for five-ball jurisdictions, offering players a chance to adapt their gameplay to local regulations.

A cursory examination of the machine reveals minimal artistic or thematic elements. Western Products was known more for producing functional games than elaborate artwork. Notably, Seven Flashers represents one of the few surviving examples from this era and serves as a historical artifact, providing insight into early pinball's mechanical infancy.