Autoflash

The Autoflash is a rare and enigmatic electro-mechanical pinball machine from 1935, crafted by the A.B.T. Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois. As one of the earliest examples of commercial pinball machines, Autoflash holds a significant place in the history of the game, arriving in the early years of electromechanical design, more than a decade before the introduction of flippers in 1947.

From a gameplay perspective, little is known about Autoflash's specific features or rules. However, its electro-mechanical construction suggests it would have used solenoids and a series of electrical contacts and relays to govern scoring and game progression on a flipperless playfield, with the ball launched by a manual plunger. The lack of a clear theme or distinctive artwork only adds to the machine's mystique, inviting enthusiasts to speculate about its original purpose and appeal.

Despite the scarcity of information, Autoflash remains an intriguing artifact for pinball historians and collectors due to its age and rarity. Its existence serves as a reminder that pinball's early history was marked by experimentation and innovation, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the confines of mechanical and electrical technology of the mid-1930s.