Billiard Flash

The Billiard Flash, crafted by Kenneth C. Shyvers and his Seattle-based company in 1934, is an early flipperless electro-mechanical pinball machine and part of the 'Spirit of America' series. Its use of lights, a bell, and two dry cell batteries added an element of visual excitement well ahead of its time, with 38 trap holes on the playfield.

What sets the Billiard Flash apart is its clever incorporation of lighting effects to enhance the gameplay experience. The "Great Green Light" feature, which flashed a green light on the right side of the lower apron upon a winning score, was quickly added shortly after the game's original release (the earliest units lacked it). Tilting the game would trigger a red light on the leveler in the center of the apron. Shyvers touted the Great Green Light as "the most sensational pay-off system the industry has ever known," language that suggests it was used to facilitate location payouts to players.

Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of information about this machine, its specific theme or artistic design are unknown, and its playfield (not pictured in surviving records) reportedly matches Shyvers' own 'Flash Three.' Nevertheless, as a rare example from the early days of pinball's development, the Billiard Flash is a valuable artifact for historians and enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the pre-flipper era of coin-operated amusements.