Trojan

The Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation's November 1935 "Trojan" is an electro-mechanical (EM) payout pinball machine that reflects the pioneering, experimental era of pre-war pinball design. Rock-Ola, based in Chicago, produced games during this period alongside its better-known jukebox business.

Key gameplay features of the Trojan include a simple yet intriguing design. Players can choose between 1 or 5 ball play, with the option to purchase 1 ball for 5 cents or 5 balls for 5 cents. The machine's distinguishing feature is its "Trojan spear" mechanism, which allows up to four of the game's seventeen trap holes to be blocked from ball entry by lowering a spear over each hole, adding an extra layer of strategy to which holes are in play.

While the Trojan's theme remains unspecified beyond its name, its aesthetic is characteristic of early pinball machines, with simple, distinctive cabinet artwork. With 17 trap holes scattered throughout the machine, gameplay varied considerably depending on where balls fell and which holes were blocked. As an early Rock-Ola pinball title, the Trojan offers a glimpse into the early days of the game, making it a notable addition to any collection focused on pre-war pinball history.