Captain Kidd

The Captain Kidd pinball machine, designed by Wayne Neyens and manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in July 1960, is a charming piece from the golden age of electromechanical (EM) pinball. A two-player game with artwork by the great Roy Parker, it takes its name and theme from the infamous pirate William Kidd, continuing a pirate tradition in pinball that stretches back to the 1930s. Gottlieb produced a confirmed 900 units.

Key gameplay features include two flippers, three pop bumpers, one passive bumper, and two slingshots, giving players a variety of ways to interact with the game. Its most distinctive touch is a nautical flourish: five rebound rubbers surround a pop bumper, forming the design of a ship's helm. Captain Kidd could be set for 3- or 5-ball play, with a maximum displayed score of 1,999 points per player and a replay wheel maximum of 26.

Captain Kidd's design and Roy Parker artwork are notable for their period charm, with a distinct pirate aesthetic that has aged remarkably well. With 900 units made, this 1960 Gottlieb remains an appealing find for collectors and historians, offering a glimpse into EM pinball at the height of the wedge-head era.