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Vagabond

Manufacturer: Williams Electronic Manufacturing Corporation (1958-1967) [Trade Name: Williams]
Year: 1962
Date: October 10, 1962
Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)
Players: 1
Production: 600 units (confirmed)

About This Machine

The Vagabond, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in October 1962 (600 units confirmed produced), is an Add-A-Ball electro-mechanical (EM) pinball with an American History theme. Notably, per IPDB documentation, Vagabond is the first pinball machine to feature a drop target of the familiar type - where the entire target drops into the playfield when struck by the ball (an earlier, different style of drop target had appeared on Gottlieb's 1951 'Minstrel Man' and 'Wild West').

At the heart of Vagabond lies its intricate gameplay mechanics, boasting an array of 11 rollover buttons, 5 pop bumpers, 2 slingshots, 2 kick-out holes, 2 standup targets, and the aforementioned drop target. The machine's maximum displayed point score is 9,999 points. Its reverse wedge head is a distinctive cabinet design feature of this model.

Visually, Vagabond's design and art reflect its American History theme. The wood box chime sound provides a nostalgic sonic cue characteristic of early-1960s EM pinball. As a genuine pinball 'first' - the debut of the familiar drop target - Vagabond holds a real place in pinball history, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolution of playfield mechanics.

Images (21)

Technical Details

Theme:
American History
Model Number:
278
Notable Features:
Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (5), Slingshots (2), Rollover buttons (11), Kick-out holes (2), Standup targets (2), Drop target (1). Reverse wedge head. Maximum displayed point score is 9,999 points. Sound: wood box chime

Credits

Designer:
Steve Kordek

Other Files

  • Original Cabinet Artwork 1962-1965 (see page 9 for this game)
    7 MB
    Download