Parlor Table

The Parlor Table, produced by the Parlor Table Company of Saginaw, Michigan in 1902, is a rare and intriguing piece of pinball history. As one of the earliest known mechanical pinball machines, it predates many of its modern counterparts by over a century. The fact that it exists at all makes it a significant artifact in the evolution of the game.

The gameplay on the Parlor Table is refreshingly straightforward. Players shoot balls into 9 scoring pockets along the bottom end of the playfield, with five holes offering scores ranging from 100 to 300 points and returning the balls to a ball tray for another shot. The unique design of the table features an inclined playfield due to its longer back legs, creating an interesting challenge for players to navigate. What's more, the simplicity of the gameplay highlights the machine's pure mechanical roots.

The Parlor Table's design and construction are notable for their time period. Crafted from cherry wood, the machine measures 8 feet long by 2 feet, 8 inches wide, making it a substantial piece for its age. Unfortunately, little is known about the designer or any intended theme behind the game, leaving enthusiasts to appreciate its mechanical ingenuity and historical significance without context. Nonetheless, the Parlor Table remains an enigmatic yet fascinating relic of pinball's early days, sure to intrigue collectors and historians alike.