Taps

Taps, manufactured by The Harry Hoppe Corporation of Chicago, Illinois in 1939, is a flipperless electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine notable for its mechanical backbox animation. Harry Hoppe, a longtime employee of Exhibit Supply Company, formed his own firm in early 1939, and Taps -- introduced that March -- is the only pinball machine known to have been made by his company before he moved on to become vice-president of Baker Novelty Company by that September.

Gameplay features ten passive bumpers, a single kicker, and a free play hole, all contributing to the playfield experience. The unique V-shaped ball trap in the lower playfield routes the ball to the kicker, adding an extra layer of challenge. For just five cents, players can enjoy five balls of pinball action.

Taps' design stands out for its mechanical backbox animation featuring a man tap dancing. The theme of "Dancing - Happiness" is reflected in this whimsical depiction, adding to the machine's nostalgic charm. As the sole known product of Harry Hoppe's short-lived company, Taps is an interesting footnote in the history of late-1930s pinball manufacturing.