Pol Roger
About This Machine
Pol Roger is a rare electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from January 1935, crafted by Scientific Machine Corporation of Brooklyn, New York. As an early surviving example of its type, Pol Roger holds historical value in the development of pinball, from an era before player-controlled flippers existed -- those would not be invented until 1947.
Pol Roger's gameplay would have featured a distinctive electro-mechanical layout, with mechanisms such as bells, buzzers, and relay-driven scoring that were typical for its time, relying on the player's skill in launching and tilting the machine rather than flipper control. While specific details about its play experience are scarce due to the machine's age and lack of documentation, enthusiasts will appreciate its rarity and historical importance as one of relatively few surviving examples from this period.
A notable aspect of Pol Roger's design is its minimalistic aesthetic, likely reflecting the artistry of its time. The machine's specific theme, if any, remains unknown. Little information about this machine has been recorded or documented over the years, leaving more questions than answers. Nonetheless, Pol Roger remains an intriguing piece of pre-flipper pinball history.