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Unknown

Manufacturer: Unknown Manufacturer
Type: Electro-mechanical (EM)
Players: 1

About This Machine

This unidentified electro-mechanical machine is a genuine mystery: despite being found in Las Vegas, Nevada, no manufacturer, designer, or model name has been identified. The only clue to its origin is the number "107" stamped into the upper edge of the playfield, alongside a brass insignia on the cabinet front indicating it was designed for nickel play.

Gameplay centers on four white marbles, shot into play by a spring-and-plunger assembly, that roll down a playfield studded with steel pins before landing in scoring holes. The interior marble collector and its tray are made of copper, and copper strips appear elsewhere inside the cabinet for reasons that remain unclear. Wiring for two small light sockets at the base of the playfield is simple and crude by later standards, consistent with very early electrical amusement devices, and a switch below the ball shooter is believed to control this lighting.

Built in an oak cabinet measuring 35 by 17 by 9 inches and weighing about 35 pounds, the machine was designed to be played under a playfield glass (not present on the example found) and carries a Playing Cards theme, though further specifics of its scoring rules or artwork are unknown. Its crude construction and wiring suggest an early example of electrified amusement gaming, though its exact age and place in pinball's lineage cannot be confirmed.

Images (4)

Technical Details

Theme:
Playing Cards
Notable Features:
Brass insignia on cabinet front indicates nickel play. Four white marbles are shot into play by a spring and plunger assembly and roll down the playfield embedded with steel pins, landing in scoring holes. Interior marble collector is copper with a copper tray. Early 1900's simple but crude wiring for two small sockets at base of playfield lights small bulbs. Below the ball shooter on front of cabinet is believed to be a light switch. Interior also has copper strips for reasons uncertain. No manufacturer marks other than 107 stamped into the upper edge of the playfield. Oak cabinet is 35 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. Game is intended to have a playfield glass, not shown here. Weighs approximately 35 lbs. Found in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Credits