Jumbo

The Jumbo pinball machine stands as a testament to the early days of electromechanical (EM) pinball innovation. Designed by George H. Miner, this machine holds significant importance in the evolution of the game. It is an updated version of Bally's 1935 Model 29 Jumbo, combining a ticket dispenser and payout mechanism in one cabinet, with an added drawer for easier battery changes, showcasing the company's ongoing refinement of its payout machines.

One of the most notable aspects of Jumbo is its gameplay feature: a single-ball payout using a 1-inch nickel-plated brass ball. Players could win up to two dollars, a substantial amount for the time period, making this machine an attractive and potentially lucrative investment for operators. The inclusion of 4,000 tickets with each sale further highlights the emphasis on redeemable prizes, adding another layer of excitement to gameplay. In October 1935, Bally president Ray Moloney reportedly called this game Bally's greatest seller and money maker to date.

Little is known about the Jumbo's theme or artwork, which adds to its mystique as a piece of pinball history. Patent No. 2,010,966, filed in 1934 and granted in 1935, provides insight into the machine's design and patent history, while Patent No. 1,802,521, issued in 1931 to George H. Miner, highlights his earlier contributions to the development of game apparatus. As a notable early payout machine, Jumbo remains an intriguing piece of pinball history, offering a glimpse into the early days of this beloved arcade game.