Topper

The Topper, produced by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in April 1939, is an electro-mechanical (EM), flipperless novelty-play machine with a confirmed production run of 650 units. This particular listing covers the novelty (non-replay) version; a separate free-play version was also released under the same name.

Gameplay on the Topper is characterized by its 14 spring bumpers, which provide a challenging and dynamic experience. Players must navigate their ball through a series of obstacles, including four trap holes that can capture the ball, and two captive balls that add an extra layer of complexity to scoring.

The Topper's design and artwork depict women in a festive, pageantry-themed atmosphere, reflecting its dancing/girls/pageantry theme. Little is known about the designer or the specific inspirations behind the theme and artwork. Despite its age, the Topper remains an interesting piece of pinball history, illustrating the novelty-play machines popular in the late 1930s.