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Big Chief

Manufacturer: Williams Electronic Manufacturing Corporation (1958-1967) [Trade Name: Williams]
Year: 1965
Date: September 23, 1965
Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)
Players: 4
Production: 2,950 units (confirmed)

About This Machine

The Big Chief, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in 1965, is a solid example of the company's mid-1960s electromechanical output. A 4-player game with a Native Americans theme, it was produced in a confirmed run of 2,950 units.

Big Chief offers a well-rounded feature set for its era. Two flippers provide player control, while three pop bumpers add a dynamic element to gameplay. Two slingshots and four standup targets offer multiple scoring opportunities, complemented by a middle right ball return gate and a right outlane ball return gate. The machine's standout design element is a selector disc that changes scoring values all over the playfield, adding an extra layer of variety from ball to ball. The game also features a drop-down cabinet, with a maximum displayed score of 9,999 points per player and sound provided by bells and a knocker.

As one of many games from prolific designer Steve Kordek during Williams' EM heyday, Big Chief captures the look and feel of mid-1960s pinball, and it remains an appealing piece for collectors of the era.

Images (14)

Technical Details

Theme:
Native Americans
Model Number:
319
Notable Features:
Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Slingshots (2), Standup targets (4), Middle right ball return gate, Right outlane ball return gate. Selector disc changes values all over the playfield. Drop-down cabinet. Maximum displayed point score is 9,999 points per player. Sound: 1 bell in lower cabinet (a second bell may be in the backbox), knocker

Credits

Designer:
Steve Kordek

Documentation

  • Schematic Diagram (continuous)
    6 MB
    Download