Super-Zeta

The Super-Zeta, manufactured by Stoner Manufacturing Company in 1938, is a rare and significant addition to any pinball collection. As an example of electro-mechanical (EM) technology from the late 1930s, this machine marks a point in the evolution of pinball design, when manufacturers were experimenting with new features to capture players' attention.

The Super-Zeta's gameplay awards six balls for a nickel, giving players a full round of play for five cents. The machine also features a compression spring bumper, an active playfield element that adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement compared to purely passive targets. The Super-Zeta is essentially the same game as Stoner's 1938 'Zeta,' but with the addition of a backbox that lights up.

Unfortunately, little is known about the Super-Zeta's original artwork or theme, as it has been stripped over time. However, its mechanical complexity and features make it a fascinating piece for pinball enthusiasts and historians to study. As one of a limited number of surviving Stoner Manufacturing machines from this era, the Super-Zeta serves as a link to the early days of pinball history, offering a glimpse into the creative experimentation that defined this formative period in the industry.