Light House

The Scientific Machine Corporation's 1934 "Light House" pinball machine is a notable find for collectors and historians alike. Produced during the early days of pinball, when the industry was still in its infancy, this electro-mechanical (EM) game offers a glimpse into the evolution of the hobby. Its lighthouse and nautical theme is confirmed as one of the earliest documented themes used by this manufacturer -- indeed, according to the Encyclopedia of Pinball, it was the first light-up game from Scientific Machine Corporation.

The gameplay on "Light House" is characterized by simple yet challenging rules typical of early EM games of the period; the ball was launched by a plunger, and players relied on the playfield's built-in scoring lanes and gentle nudging rather than any player-controlled flippers, which had not yet been invented. The nautical theme, featuring lighthouse and oceanic imagery, sets it apart from many contemporaries that had no theme at all.

Very little information has been found regarding the designer or other specific features of this machine, and its exact spelling -- "Light House" versus "Lighthouse" -- has been debated by historians based on differing printed sources. Despite this, "Light House" remains an important piece in pinball history due to its age, rarity, and status as an early themed game.