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O.K.

Manufacturer: Genco Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, Illinois, USA (1931-1958)
Year: 1932
Date: May, 1932
Type: Pure Mechanical (PM)
Players: 1

About This Machine

The O.K. pinball machine, produced by Genco Manufacturing Company in 1932, is one of the earliest and most intriguing examples of the emerging pinball industry. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) game, it predates the electromechanical (EM) era that would dominate the industry for decades to come. The O.K.'s significance lies not only in its age but also in its innovative design features, which would influence future pinball machines.

Gameplay on the O.K. is a marvel of mechanical ingenuity. Players can choose from two pricing options: 7 balls for 1 cent or 10 balls for 5 cents. What sets this machine apart is its unique ball release mechanism. Instead of dropping trapped balls onto the playfield at the start, it raises wire gates and pushes the balls up to roll freely down the playfield, eventually landing in the ball trough along the bottom. This design choice adds a layer of complexity and challenge to the gameplay experience.

While there's limited information available on the O.K.'s design, art, or theme, its walnut-finished cabinet is notable for its compact size, measuring 36 inches long and 16 inches wide. The absence of an explicitly stated theme or designer only adds to the machine's mystique, making it a fascinating piece of pinball history that continues to intrigue enthusiasts today.

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Technical Details

Notable Features:
7 balls for 1 cent, or 10 balls for 5 cents. This game does not drop the trapped balls through the playfield at start of game but instead raises the wire gates and pushes the balls up and out of their holes to roll down the playfield to the ball trough that runs along the bottom length of the playfield. Cabinet advertised as walnut finish, 36 inches long and 16 inches wide.

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