Cadet

The Cadet, manufactured by Bingo Novelty Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois in March 1932, is an early piece of pinball history. As a purely mechanical machine from the very first years of the pinball industry, it predates many of its contemporaries and reflects the game's design and mechanics during its formative years. Little is known about its designer or theme.

From a gameplay perspective, the Cadet stands out for its simplicity and affordability. Players could enjoy 10 balls for just five cents, a low cost for entertainment during the Great Depression. The machine itself features a mahogany-finished cabinet advertised as 40 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 38 inches high, weighing in at a substantial 70 pounds.

While there is limited information available about the Cadet's design or art, its sheer age makes it a notable entry in the pinball record. The detachable legs suggest that the machine was designed with transport in mind, which would have been practical given the space constraints of many small businesses and amusement venues of the era. As an example of a purely mechanical countertop-era pinball game, the Cadet provides a glimpse into the earliest days of this beloved pastime.