Cavalcade

The Cavalcade, manufactured by Stoner Manufacturing Company of Aurora, Illinois in April 1935, is a fascinating electro-mechanical pinball machine from the industry's early years. Offering ten balls for five cents, it came equipped with the era's emerging technology: red and green playfield lights, a plumb bob tilt mechanism, ball kickers, and a bell.

The Cavalcade's horse racing gameplay is as distinctive as it is challenging. Players aim to line up as many balls as possible at the "Post" before trying for the "Starter." Upon making the Starter, all the balls at the Post shoot out alternately from both sides, flashing a green light on one side and a red light on the other. Balls lucky enough to reach the Home Stretch score big: the first three lodge in the 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 pockets, while any further Home Stretch balls are automatically sent into the 5,000 pocket by a rapid-fire mechanism accompanied by a flashing light and ringing bell.

The horse racing theme is reflected throughout the game's layout, with the colored playfield lighting adding to the excitement. The machine was advertised as measuring 41 inches by 21 inches. A ticket-vending version of the game was also produced as Stoner's 1935 'Tick 'a' Lite', and one advertisement mentioned an adjustable payout percentage feature, although no payout mechanism is visible in surviving pictures or flyers - a small mystery that adds to the game's period charm.