Bomber

The 1951 Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company's "Bomber" pinball machine is a solid example of early-1950s electromechanical (EM) design. Released in March 1951, its aviation and combat theme fit comfortably within the post-war era's fascination with adventure and flight.

Key to "Bomber"'s gameplay is its use of two flippers, which by 1951 had become the standard means for players to control the ball's trajectory. The addition of two pop bumpers, five passive bumpers, three stand-up targets, and a blocking gate between the flippers created a challenging and engaging experience. The long playfield and simple sound package of a single bell and knocker are typical of the period.

A technical point of interest for collectors: this game used carbon-ring bumper switches, a design employed before the so-called "spoon" switch that was adopted in later games. While limited information exists on the designer, "Bomber" remains a notable example of Chicago Coin's contributions to electromechanical pinball during the company's long run from 1932 to 1977.