Tricks (Senior)

Genco Manufacturing Company's "Tricks" (Senior) pinball machine from January 1936 is a rare and fascinating example of pure mechanical (PM) pinball design, predating the introduction of flippers by more than a decade. Selling for $74.50 when new, it showcases the mechanical ingenuity of pre-electromechanical pinball.

One of the standout features of "Tricks" is its gameplay flexibility: the operator could set the game for 5 or 10 balls per play. Ten gobble holes challenge players to navigate the ball across the playfield, while balls that avoid the holes exit into any of seven score troughs at the bottom of the playfield. Notably, the game uses no batteries and has no pins on the playfield, relying entirely on mechanical components for a smooth, reliable experience.

The cabinet of "Tricks" has an unusual design, measuring 62 1/2 inches long by 22 1/2 inches wide with a shallow cabinet height, no coin door on the front, and a coin slide mounted on the left front. Eight of the ten gobble holes are fitted with saucers that appear to be plastic rather than bakelite. Despite limited information about its designer, this rare mechanical pinball machine remains a captivating example of early pinball engineering.