Grand Slam

The Genco Manufacturing Company's 1938 Grand Slam is a rare electro-mechanical pinball machine and an early flipperless title from the company's history. Introduced in July 1938, as reported by The Billboard at the time, Grand Slam showcases the mechanics and gameplay conventions of the pre-flipper era.

The Grand Slam boasts several key features that set it apart from its contemporaries. The ability to play with five balls per game is a notable departure from the typical three-ball setup found in many other pinball machines of the era. Additionally, the twelve passive bumpers and plunger skill shot add an element of challenge and strategy to gameplay. An adjustable award switch lets the operator set the jackpot to increase with every 20 or 30 cents played, allowing location owners to tailor the payout dynamics to their setting.

The machine's design and art are equally intriguing, with its armor-lined cabinet providing a sturdy and rugged aesthetic. Perhaps most fascinating, however, is the backglass, which boldly proclaims "Skill Shot" rather than the name of the game itself. The cabinet appears too small to house a full payout mechanism, so payouts were likely handled directly by the location rather than the machine. Despite limited information available about this machine's designer, its unique features and design elements make it a notable discovery for any serious pinball enthusiast or collector.