Tumbleweed

The Tumbleweed, manufactured by Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) and first shipped August 1949, is an American West-themed electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine. ESCO was a prominent player in the early days of pinball, operating from 1932 to 1957 and producing several notable machines.

The Tumbleweed boasts a range of features that set it apart from other machines of its time. Players are given five balls for five cents. The three flippers allow for dynamic gameplay, while the two pop bumpers add an extra layer of challenge and excitement. Notably, the center playfield flipper is capable of flipping in both directions, providing a distinctive twist on traditional pinball mechanics.

The American West theme is rendered through artwork evoking a rustic, Wild West landscape. Specific design credits for the machine have not survived. As an ESCO title from the late 1940s, the Tumbleweed offers a glimpse into the evolution of electro-mechanical pinball design during this period.