Turn Table

The Turn Table, manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in February 1935, is a one-player electro-mechanical flipperless machine notable for its unusual turntable mechanic. As an early EM machine, it showcases the evolution of pinball design from its purely mechanical beginnings.

The machine's gameplay is built around five ball kickers and a distinctive turntable feature. Two "Starter" holes in the upper playfield area, when hit, cause the turntable to rotate to one side, lights to flash, and release of any balls waiting to drop through the turntable to the lower playfield. The turntable holds its rotated position for about three seconds before returning to center; if no starter holes are made, balls waiting for the turntable are stranded and no points are scored. This mechanism creates an element of timing and strategy, as players must trigger the starter holes to keep balls in play.

Little is known about the Turn Table's design, art, or theme beyond its mechanics. Its pioneering use of electro-mechanical components and unusual turntable gimmick make it a notable early example in the development of pinball design.