Rugby

The Rugby pinball machine, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in 1936, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from a period when EM components were still enhancing gameplay with new possibilities in sound, lighting, and scoring compared to purely mechanical predecessors.

The Rugby's gameplay features are characteristic of its era, with players aiming to hit targets and score points through the bumpers and mechanisms typical of mid-1930s EM design. Its basic yet functional layout showcases the emerging art form of pinball machine aesthetics, and its metal cabinet and playfield are a testament to the early days of pinball's industrial design.

Despite a lack of information on its designer or theme, the Rugby remains an intriguing piece of pinball history, with a confirmed production run of 279 units. It offers insight into the game's development during the 1930s, and its relative rarity and age make it a prized find for collectors and enthusiasts.