Top 'Em

The 1936 "Top" pinball machine is an interesting find for collectors and historians alike. Manufactured by Western Equipment & Supply Company in Chicago, Illinois, between 1934 and 1938, it represents an early electro-mechanical payout machine from the mid-1930s.

Notable for its electro-mechanical design, "Top" is a one-ball-per-play payout machine, also available in a ticket model. The cabinet's dimensions, measuring 50 inches long by 24 inches wide, and the game predates the 1947 introduction of flippers, so gameplay relied on skillful plunging and timing rather than flipper control. As with many early EM machines, specific rules and objectives are largely undocumented.

The theme of cards/gambling on this machine reflects the era's fascination with games of chance. The artwork and design elements, while not well-documented, likely feature motifs related to playing cards or casino-style games. Little is known about the designer responsible for "Top," adding an air of mystery to its already scarce documentation. As an early example of pinball machinery, "Top" offers a glimpse into the formative years of the game's development.