Add-A-Ball

The Add-A-Ball is an electro-mechanical pinball machine designed by the prolific Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in September 1961. It carries a circus/carnival theme and belongs to the "add-a-ball" specialty category, in which players earn extra balls rather than replays. Notably, per Kordek's own account at a 2009 pinball expo, Gottlieb objected to Williams using the name "Add-A-Ball" for the game, and only a small quantity were made before the title was changed to Williams' 1961 'Skill-Ball.'

Gameplay features a two-flipper layout supported by three pop bumpers, two slingshots, four passive bumpers, and two gobble holes, along with a swinging target. The maximum displayed score is 9,999 points, typical for machines of this era.

The circus/carnival theme is reflected in the machine's artwork and lighting, though the identity of the artist remains disputed -- Christian Marche has been credited elsewhere, but his own account places his move to the U.S. in 1964, after this game's production, so IPDB has removed his credit. As one of Steve Kordek's many designs, the Add-A-Ball remains an interesting footnote in early-1960s Williams history, notable chiefly for its brief, contested naming.