Hi Ball
About This Machine
The Hi Ball is a rare and intriguing specimen in the world of vintage pinball machines. Produced circa the 1930s by E.M. & H. Co., of Geneva, Illinois, as a pure mechanical (PM) game, its exact production year remains unknown, adding to its mystique for collectors trying to trace its origins.
What sets Hi Ball apart from other early pinball machines is its unique gameplay mechanics. Metal balls are delivered to a wooden tray, and the player manually places all the balls in front of the shooter except for one special ball - the "HI BALL" - which is first placed into a pivoting tube at the rear of the cabinet that positions it in a special spot on the playfield. If the HI BALL is dislodged from its spot by a ball in play, it scores double the value of the pocket where it lands. The wooden shooter knob and manual placement of balls contribute to its charming mechanical feel.
Measuring 59 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 36 inches high, Hi Ball is a substantial pin table for its era. Despite being a relatively unknown model, it remains an attractive and interesting piece for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into a distinctive scoring gimmick from the early days of coin-operated amusement.
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Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- 5 cent play. Metal balls are delivered to wooden tray on right side of cabinet. One ball, the HI BALL, is different than the other ones. Player first ins erts the HI BALL into the placer tube on rear of cabinet. This tube apparently pivots to place the ball on the playfield in a special spot. The player next manually places all other balls in front of the shooter by dropping them into a nearby hole on the top edge of the cabinet. Balls are shot into play to fall into the various score pockets. If the HI BALL is dislodged from its spot by a ball in play, it scores double the pocket value where it lands. This pin table measures 59 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 36 inches high. Has a wooden shooter knob.