Gigolo

The Gigolo, produced by Royal Novelty Company in 1932, holds a place in the history of pinball as an early pure mechanical (pre-flipper) game. Its age and rarity make it an interesting find for collectors and historians of the medium's earliest years.

As a pure mechanical machine, Gigolo's gameplay relied on gravity, a plunger, and fixed obstacles rather than powered flippers or electromechanical scoring - players would launch balls into the playfield and score points based on where they came to rest, typical of pinball's earliest "pin game" era. What makes this machine notable is its compact, square cabinet design, advertised by the manufacturer as measuring 23 1/4 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 36 inches high.

Unfortunately, little is known about the Gigolo's original artwork or theme, and there is some historical ambiguity over its manufacturer versus distributor (B. G. Melton and Company). Its significance lies primarily in its place within very early pinball history, making it a piece of interest for collectors and enthusiasts seeking examples from before the flipper era.