Air Lane

The Air Lane pinball machine, manufactured by Bally in June 1936, is an early example of electrically-equipped pinball from the game's first decade. Notably, Air Lane is a payout machine — a class of 1930s pin games that dispensed winnings directly to the player — and it sold new for $97.50 complete with Electropak, with a Ticket Model available at $107.50 and a check separator offered for $5.00 extra.

Notable features of this machine include its patent markings on the playfield, indicating patents owned by Consolidated Patent Corporation (No. 1,802,521, filed in 1928 and issued in 1931 to George H. Miner) and Ace Patents Corporation (No. 2,010,966, granted in 1935 to Henry W. Seiden et al.). These markings reflect the early days of pinball's development, when game mechanisms were actively patented and licensed. The machine itself boasts 21 trap holes, and with 10 balls playable for a mere five cents, players were drawn to the Air Lane's enticing value.

The theme of aviation and flight was likely inspired by the 1930s fascination with air travel, and the machine's advertised dimensions — 42 inches long and 20 inches wide — are typical of the era's floor games. As an early example of Bally's payout pinball machines, the Air Lane remains an intriguing piece for collectors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the development of a beloved recreational pastime.