Whir-Pool

Whir-Pool is one of the earliest known pinball machines in existence, manufactured by Whirlpool Sales Agency Incorporated in April 1932. Its significance lies in its place as a pioneering example of the emerging recreational industry in the United States during the Great Depression era. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) machine, it predates the electromechanical and electronic eras that would later define the genre.

Notably, Whir-Pool's gameplay features 10 balls for just five cents, a remarkable value proposition given its time period. As a square cabinet housing the pin-table version of the game, players work the balls through the playfield using purely mechanical means - there were no flippers or electronic scoring on a machine of this vintage, which instead relied on skillful nudging and simple mechanical scoring to track results.

Whir-Pool is closely related to two companion machines from the same manufacturer: the tabletop 'Whirlpool Jr.' and 'Whirlpool' itself, both also released in 1932. As one of the oldest surviving pinball machines, Whir-Pool provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of this beloved recreational activity, offering insight into how the genre evolved over time.