Grand Circuit

The 1936 Bally Grand Circuit is a single-player electro-mechanical (EM) machine (Model 95) that Bally's own records classify as a payout machine, one of several such devices the company produced in this period. It predates the invention of flippers by more than a decade -- flippers were not introduced until 1947 -- so gameplay would have relied on a plunger-launched ball, bumpers, and mechanical relays and switches determining payouts.

As one of the earlier machines produced by Bally Manufacturing Corporation, Grand Circuit reflects the pioneering, fast-iterating nature of the industry's early days, when companies churned out new payout and novelty designs at a rapid pace.

Details about the machine's designer, theme, or artwork are scarce, but it's clear that the Grand Circuit represents part of Bally's early development as a manufacturer. Its age and rarity make it a sought-after collector's item for enthusiasts who value early examples of the company's work.