Whizz-Bang (Model A)

Whizz-Bang (Model A) stands as one of the earliest surviving pinball machines from D. Gottlieb & Company, a pioneering force in the industry. Produced in 1932, during a time when pinball was still in its formative years, Whizz-Bang is an exemplary representation of early mechanical gameplay. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its ability to offer a glimpse into the evolution of pinball's design and mechanics.

Whizz-Bang features a pure mechanical (PM) layout, with game elements that are strikingly different from modern pinball machines. Players can choose between 5, 7, or 10 balls for play, with options to buy in pennies or nickels. The simplicity of its gameplay belies the challenge and skill required to navigate Whizz-Bang's mechanical obstacles. Its unique design showcases a precursor to more complex scoring systems seen in later pinball machines.

The machine's aesthetic is unadorned by a specific theme, instead focusing on clean lines and basic artwork typical of early 20th-century gaming devices. As one of the earliest surviving examples from Gottlieb, Whizz-Bang provides a fascinating look at the mechanical roots of pinball. Its existence serves as a reminder that even in its infancy, pinball offered entertainment for players who appreciated the challenge and simplicity of this emerging genre.