Shoot-A-Shoe

The Shoot-A-Shoe, manufactured by E. P. Johnson Manufacturing Company in 1932, is a notable artifact in the evolution of pinball machines. As one of the earliest known examples of a pure mechanical (PM) pinball machine, it predates many of its modern counterparts and provides valuable insight into the development of the game.

At first glance, the gameplay may seem straightforward: players insert one cent (or a nickel, in the nickel-play version) to play with five balls, aiming to land shots in three large U-shaped scoring pockets resembling horseshoes at the bottom of the playfield. However, a closer examination reveals an innovative feature that sets it apart from other early pinball machines – a rotating horseshoe above the center pocket. By operating a ball lift knob, players can activate this revolving horseshoe to create a timed shot opportunity, requiring precision and timing to land the ball in the high-scoring pocket below.

The design of the Shoot-A-Shoe emphasizes functionality over ornate art, with a compact 30-by-16-inch playfield. The lack of a specific theme or decorative elements adds to its historic charm, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate its mechanical ingenuity and pioneering spirit. No additional information about the machine's designer has been found, leaving the Shoot-A-Shoe as an intriguing relic in pinball history.