Contact

Contact, manufactured by Stoner Manufacturing Company in April 1934, is an early example of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines, from a period predating the more familiar EM designs of later decades. This era was notable for experimentation, with manufacturers testing various approaches to create engaging gameplay.

The Contact machine's gameplay was, like other games of its era, based on launching the ball with a plunger and relying on the playfield layout and gentle nudging of the cabinet to influence the outcome -- flippers would not be invented for another thirteen years. A notable aspect is that there is no specific theme associated with this game, making it an interesting case study for historians examining the development of themed pinball.

Unfortunately, little information about Contact's design, art, or theme exists beyond its basic specifications. This scarcity makes it all the more fascinating, as enthusiasts and collectors are left to wonder about the creative decisions behind this early example of pinball innovation. The rarity and age of the machine contribute to its allure, making Contact a valuable addition to any serious pinball collection.