Sentry

The Sullivan-Nolan Advertising Company's Sentry pinball machine, produced in April 1943 as a conversion of Exhibit's 1940 'Leader,' is a rare example of early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design from the World War II conversion era, when manufacturers repurposed existing hardware amid wartime shortages.

Gameplay on Sentry is characterized by a simple, straightforward layout typical of pre-flipper pinball, with bumpers and targets guiding the ball and players relying on skillful nudging of the cabinet -- flippers would not be introduced to pinball until 1947, several years after Sentry was made. The game's specific rules and objectives are not well-documented.

One notable aspect of Sentry's design is its likely utilitarian aesthetic, reflecting the practicality often seen in wartime-era manufacturing, with a focus on functionality over elaborate artistry. Despite the lack of detailed documentation, Sentry remains an intriguing piece for collectors and historians seeking to understand the early development of electro-mechanical pinball during the war years.