Greyhound

The Greyhound, manufactured by Bally in 1935, represents one of the earliest electromechanical (EM) pinball machines. As a pioneering device from the dawn of the pinball industry, it holds significant historical importance for enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Greyhound is a testament to the innovative spirit that drove the development of early pinball machines, which were initially simple, coin-operated devices featuring electro-mechanical components.

The gameplay features of the Greyhound are characteristic of its era, with a basic layout consisting of bumpers, pins, and a single scoring mechanism activated by a plunger-launched ball. Player-controlled flippers had not yet been invented in 1935 (they arrived in 1947), so the machine's design relied on gravity, ball placement, and simple relay-based scoring rather than paddle control. The machine's unique aspect lies in its use of electromechanical components to create the illusion of gameplay, marking an early step towards the development of more sophisticated pinball machines.

Little is known about the Greyhound's specific design or theme, as such information has not been documented. Its plain, unadorned appearance likely reflects the aesthetic preferences of its time, which often favored functional simplicity over elaborate artwork. As one of the oldest surviving EM machines, the Greyhound remains an intriguing relic for pinball enthusiasts and historians to study and appreciate, providing a glimpse into the early days of this beloved pastime.