Match-A-Ball

The Match-A-Ball, produced by Daval Manufacturing Co. in January 1935, is an example of the early history of pinball. As an electromechanical (EM) machine from this period, it represents the transitional era between purely mechanical and later, more sophisticated pinball designs. The EM approach would eventually become the industry standard for decades to come, though it was still in its infancy during the 1930s.

Gameplay on the Match-A-Ball would have relied on the player launching balls via a plunger and using gravity, skill, and tilt to guide them toward scoring targets or matching mechanisms -- the player-operated flipper was still more than a decade from being invented. This basic concept, typical of the period, would later give way to far more complex gameplay mechanics as pinball technology advanced.

Unfortunately, no detailed information about the Match-A-Ball's art or theme is available, likely due to its age and limited documentation. Despite this, the machine's rarity and historical significance make it a notable piece for anyone tracing the development of early pinball.