Domino

The Domino pinball machine, manufactured by Daval Manufacturing Co. of Chicago, Illinois in January 1935, is an early example of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design. As one of Daval's early EM offerings, it marks a point in the development of the game during a period when American pinball manufacturing was rapidly evolving. With relatively few examples believed to survive today, Domino offers a glimpse into the evolution of pinball's mechanical and electromechanical systems.

Domino's gameplay showcases the fundamental principles of early EM pinball design: players launched the ball via a plunger and relied on gravity and tilt to guide it toward scoring targets, since the player-controlled flipper was still more than a decade away from being invented. A rotating drum reportedly housed the scoring mechanism, adding an element of chance to each play. Its relatively compact size and simplicity make it an approachable example for collectors and historians seeking to understand the early days of pinball.

While little is known about the machine's designer or any specific artistic themes, its simple, sturdy design speaks to the manufacturing spirit of Daval during this period. As a rare and early example of EM pinball design, Domino remains an intriguing find for enthusiasts and collectors seeking to piece together the history of the game.