Monarch

The O. D. Jennings and Company's 1932 Monarch is a significant piece of pinball history, representing one of the earliest mechanical pinball machines produced by a major manufacturer. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) game, it predates the electromechanical era that would soon follow, featuring a simple yet effective design that laid the groundwork for future innovations.

One of the most notable aspects of the Monarch's gameplay is its use of ten balls per play for a nickel -- nine white balls plus a single red ball that scores double when it lands. The machine's unique feature of having two separate out-hole troughs adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy to the game. Adjustable levelers on the legs allow for fine-tuning of the playfield's slope, ensuring optimal gameplay.

According to Bueschel's Encyclopedia of Pinball, the game was originally called "Monarch Ball" and shipped with printed marquee cards offering non-cash prizes for high scores, with the reverse side privately indicating a money value to operators. Little is documented about the machine's designer or specific artistic elements, which is not uncommon for pinball machines from this era. Nonetheless, as a rare and historically significant piece of early pinball machinery, the Monarch holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its pioneering spirit and mechanical simplicity.