Skill Ball

The Skill Ball by Southwest Game(s) Company is a rare and enigmatic piece of pure mechanical pinball history. Its unknown year of production raises questions about its place within the timeline of early pinball machines, but one thing is certain – it's a distinctive find in the collecting community. Its ball-shooter escutcheon placement on the upper right corner of the cabinet and plain squared legs distinguish it from similarly named 'Skill Ball' models made by the Standard Table Company, and the branding on the lower apron confirms Southwest Games Company as its maker.

The 10 balls played for just five cents is an astonishingly low price point, suggesting this machine was designed with cost-conscious players in mind. The sheer number of trap holes – 24 in total – adds an element of unpredictability to each game, as players must carefully calculate their shots to maximize their chances of success. This design choice speaks to the era's fascination with the art of skill and chance.

Despite its age and obscurity, the Skill Ball remains an intriguing find for collectors due to its unadulterated mechanical nature. Its simple, utilitarian aesthetic belies a certain charm, while its scarcity has only added to its mystique. Little is known about this machine's designer or exact origins, but one thing is clear: the Skill Ball is an authentic relic of pinball's early days, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when games were raw and unpolished.