Wahoo

The Wahoo, manufactured by C. F. Eckhart & Company from 1933 to 1935, is a significant artifact in the evolution of pinball machines. As one of the earliest known mechanical pinballs, it predates the flipper era by well over a decade. This rarity and age make the Wahoo an extremely valuable piece for collectors and historians alike.

In terms of gameplay, the Wahoo features a simple mechanic: players could insert 1 cent or 5 cent coins to play. Being a Pure Mechanical machine, it has no flippers or electric scoring; the ball's path across the playfield was governed entirely by gravity and fixed obstacles, as was typical of pinball before the introduction of electromechanical components. According to Marketplace Pictorial History, Wahoo is notable as the first game to look like a console, and its playfield layout has been compared to Universal Novelty Manufacturing Company's 1933 'Universe.'

The Wahoo's design and art are typical of its era, with simple illustrations and bold lettering adorning the cabinet. Unfortunately, no specific theme or designer information is available for this machine, leaving much to be inferred about its intended style and appeal. Nonetheless, its mechanical operation and age make it a fascinating piece for pinball enthusiasts seeking to understand the origins of their beloved hobby.