Trik-E-Shot

The Trik-E-Shot, manufactured by Gotham Pressed Steel Corporation in 1936, marks one of the earliest and most enigmatic examples of a Pure Mechanical (PM) pinball machine. As a relic from the dawn of pinball's evolution, this rare find offers a glimpse into the game's formative years, when rules were still being established and gameplay was shaped by innovation rather than commercial appeal.

Trik-E-Shot features ten marbles held in a cardboard container, alongside two wooden pegs to guide the ball across the playfield. The simplicity of its design belies the complexity of its mechanical components, which would have presented a challenge even for skilled operators at the time. Gameplay on this machine is likely straightforward, with players attempting to navigate the ball through the pegs and marbles in pursuit of a winning combination.

The Trik-E-Shot's significance lies not only in its age but also in its contribution to the development of pinball as we know it today. As one of the earliest known examples of a PM machine, it provides valuable insight into the early experimentation with game mechanics that would eventually lead to the modern pinball machines of the 1950s and beyond. Its scarcity and unknown history only add to its allure, making this rare artifact a prized find for any serious pinball collector or historian.