Show Boat
About This Machine
The Show Boat pinball machine, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company and dated June 23, 1934 (model 2, with 630 confirmed units produced), is an early electro-mechanical (EM) game, Flipperless in design. The Show Boat is representative of how pinball machines were evolving from simple bagatelle-style games toward more complex electromechanical contraptions that would eventually define the modern pinball experience.
A unique aspect of the Show Boat's gameplay is its top Control Hole: when a ball lands there, it rings a bell and advances up to six balls along a central track for higher scores -- a mechanic reminiscent of the later Tar Pit feature on Bally's 1971 'Four Million B.C.'
Specific design, artistic, or thematic details for this machine are not well documented, but as an early Chicago Coin release with a low model number, the Show Boat offers an intriguing glimpse into the roots of the company's long pinball history.
Images (1)
Technical Details
- Model Number:
- 2
- Notable Features:
- Ball landing in top Control Hole rings a bell and advances up to 6 balls along a central track (similar to the Tar Pit on Bally's 1971 'Four Million B.C.') for higher scores.