Aces High

Aces High (1932) is one of the earliest surviving pinball machines, offering a glimpse into the fledgling years of the game. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its rarity, as many machines from this era have not survived to the present day. As such, Aces High is a valuable piece of pinball history, providing insight into the development of gameplay and design during the early 20th century.

Gameplay features are somewhat of an enigma, given the lack of documentation. However, it's presumed that Aces High would have featured a simple mechanical playfield with pins, targets, or other elements to guide the ball -- flippers had not yet been invented and would not appear in pinball for another decade and a half. The machine may have employed a basic scoring system, possibly incorporating elements like marbles, bells, or other tokens. Its uniqueness lies in its role as one of the earliest pinball machines produced.

A significant aspect of Aces High is its design and art, which would likely reflect the aesthetic tastes of the 1930s. The cabinet may feature ornate woodwork, while the playfield could be adorned with basic graphics or artwork. While specific details about its theme are unknown, it's possible that the machine drew inspiration from contemporary culture, such as aviation (given the name Aces High) or other popular interests of the time. Unfortunately, little is known about this machine's creation, but its existence remains an important piece of pinball history.