Battle

The Sullivan-Nolan Advertising Company's Battle pinball machine, produced in June 1942, stands out as one of the earlier WWII-themed electro-mechanical games, converted from Exhibit's 1940 'Zombie.' As part of a limited wartime conversion run, it is considered a rare piece among collectors and historians, showcasing how pinball manufacturers adapted their designs to appeal to a nation mobilized for war.

As a flipperless game, gameplay on Battle relied on bumpers and the ball's path through the playfield rather than player-controlled flippers, which had not yet been invented; players' main influence came from skillful nudging of the cabinet. Its aviation, combat, and warfare theme reflects the nation's wartime mobilization.

The artwork on Battle was created by Lester Hilbrich (1911-1999), who worked for Advertising Posters, Sullivan-Nolan Advertising, and later Lions/Bally, and likely reflects the wartime spirit with military aircraft and combat imagery in its design. This pinball machine remains a fascinating piece for collectors and enthusiasts due to its rarity, its documented artist, and its historical context.