Turf Queen

The Turf Queen pinball machine, produced by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in 1938, is a flipperless electro-mechanical horse-racing game, one of 347 confirmed units built. Players received five balls for five cents, a common payout format for the era, and competed for the highest score.

Turf Queen's gameplay is characterized by a simple yet engaging mechanic: hitting the Extra Lap spring awards an extra lap towards a winning score. This feature, while straightforward, adds a layer of strategy to the game, encouraging players to aim for specific targets in order to maximize their chances of success. The machine itself measures 22 inches wide and 42 inches long, making it a compact yet challenging addition to any collection.

Turf Queen's horse racing theme fits a wave of racing-themed pinball popular in the late 1930s. While little is known about its designer or other specifics regarding its production, this machine remains an interesting relic of early pinball history, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolution of game mechanics and themes in the sport's formative years.