Checker-Lite

The Checker-Lite, manufactured by International Mutoscope Reel Company in March 1935, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine and a lit-up variant of the company's earlier 'Checkers' game. It reflects the period when manufacturers were beginning to experiment with adding electric lighting to mechanical pinball designs.

Gameplay on the Checker-Lite revolves around a Checkers-themed layout, with a compact size of 40 inches long by 20 inches wide. Little is documented about its specific mechanics, but as a lit version of 'Checkers,' it likely added illuminated scoring or targets to the earlier mechanical design.

Design-wise, the Checker-Lite showcases the emerging aesthetic of early EM pinballs, with Jack Firestone credited as designer. The Checkers theme is rendered plainly, reflecting the period's design sensibilities. Detailed trivia surrounding this machine is scarce, but as one of Mutoscope's early experiments with electrified pinball, it offers an interesting glimpse into the transition from purely mechanical to electro-mechanical amusement games.