Black Beauty

Black Beauty is a rare and historic gem from Genco Manufacturing Company of Chicago, one of the pioneering manufacturers of early pinball machines. Produced in February 1933, Black Beauty is a Pure Mechanical (PM) machine, predating the electromechanical era that followed. As such, it showcases the earliest days of pinball's evolution, when games relied entirely on gravity and clever mechanical design.

One of the most striking aspects of Black Beauty is its generous gameplay: operating on a 5-cent coin, players are treated to a 10-ball experience. The machine also features a horseshoe diverter to redirect the ball, and its playfield is made of walnut. These features make Black Beauty a delight for enthusiasts seeking a tangible connection to pinball's roots.

While information on Black Beauty is scarce, its presentation is particularly noteworthy. The cabinet was advertised as having "lustrous Ebony Black and Silver Striping," exuding a level of sophistication rarely seen in early pinball machines, and measured 39 inches long by 16 inches wide. The game pictured in the Encyclopedia of Pinball Volume 1 is a pin table with a thin vertical backboard. As an early example from Genco Manufacturing Company, Black Beauty offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of pinball and its pioneers.