High-Low

High-Low, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in 1935, stands as one of the earliest and rarest electro-mechanical pinball machines. Its significance lies in its place within the evolution of pinball, a nascent industry at this point, and serves as an artifact from the pre-regulation era before strict guidelines governed the game's design and operation.

The gameplay on High-Low is relatively straightforward, with players aiming to accumulate points by shooting balls through various paths. The machine features 14 trap holes and accommodates up to 10 balls for a mere five cents. Its compact dimensions measure 39 inches in length (42 inches including the coin slide), 24 inches wide, and stands at an impressive height of 52 inches in the back.

One aspect that sets High-Low apart from other early pinball machines is its utilitarian design, devoid of any specific theme or artwork. The simplicity of its design underscores the functional nature of these early games, prioritizing gameplay over aesthetics. As a relic of the past, High-Low offers a glimpse into the development and refinement of pinball as we know it today, making it a fascinating piece for collectors and historians to study.