Star Lite

The Star Lite, manufactured by Automatic Engineering Corporation in June 1935, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from a period when EM technology was spreading through the growing pinball industry. Its introduction reflects the shift from purely mechanical pin games toward machines using electrical relays and solenoids.

This early EM machine features basic yet charming gameplay elements typical of its time. As with all pinball machines built before 1947, Star Lite predates the invention of the flipper, so players relied on plunger skill and careful nudging within tilt limits rather than flipper control to influence the ball. The Star Lite's simplicity is part of its charm, with electromagnets likely used to trigger lights, bells, and other effects. Specific design features, artwork, or theme are not well-documented for this machine.

Little is known about the Star Lite's original designer or intended audience, but its existence serves as a testament to the innovation and experimentation that defined the early years of pinball development. As one of the surviving examples from this period, the Star Lite offers a glimpse into the formative stages of the industry, making it an item of interest for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand the roots of modern pinball design.