Whifflette

The Whifflette is a rare and enigmatic gem from the early days of pinball history. Produced by Automatic Industries, Incorporated of Youngstown, Ohio in January 1932 (with a copyright date of November 1931 on the machine), it stands as one of the few surviving examples of pure mechanical (PM) pinball machines from this era. The significance of the Whifflette lies not only in its age but also in its contribution to the evolution of the game, as a small tabletop/counter game format popular in the early 1930s.

Notably, the gameplay features of the Whifflette are as intriguing as they are simple. With no specific theme or artwork documented, players would have relied on skill to navigate the ball through the game's mechanisms. One surviving example is equipped with six white glass marbles, though how exactly they factored into scoring or play is not documented. The compact cabinet measures just 16 inches by 16 inches by 5 inches, making it a true relic of the era when tabletop pinball machines were common in bars and shops.

Despite being a product of Automatic Industries, which operated in Youngstown, Ohio from 1931 to 1936, very little information about the machine has been preserved. Its design, artwork, or theme remain largely unknown, leaving enthusiasts to speculate about its intended gameplay experience. Nevertheless, the Whifflette remains an important piece in the history of pinball, offering a glimpse into the pioneering era that paved the way for the complex, visually stunning machines we adore today.