Carnival

The Carnival pinball machine, manufactured by Bally during their illustrious run from 1931 to 1983, is an intriguing find in the world of electromechanical pinball. An early flipper-era game, this machine offers insight into the days when flipper game mechanics were still being refined, making it appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the formative work of EM designers.

The gameplay on Carnival is built around 13 scoring bumpers and two flippers. Players would need to master a combination of physical skill and strategy to navigate the ball through the machine's layout and accumulate points. The backglass artwork was created by Lester Hilbrich (1911-1999), who worked for Advertising Posters, Sullivan-Nolan Advertising, and Lions/Bally; interestingly, preliminary backglass artwork shows the game was originally to be named "Mardi Gras".

The Carnival's design, art, and theme all contribute to its nostalgic charm. With its circus/carnival theme of celebration and happiness, this machine embodies the joy and excitement of a classic traveling fair. While details about the designer and exact release year remain unknown, the machine's survival is itself a testament to the craftsmanship and durability of Bally's early flipper-era work.