Ballota-Ball

The Ballota-Ball, produced by Ballota GmbH of Germany in July 1933, is a table-top/counter game and an early example of the small coin-operated games popular in pre-war Germany. This Pure Mechanical (PM) game predates the invention of the flipper by over a decade, relying instead on tilt and skill-shot mechanics typical of the era. Notably, its playfield is said to resemble that of Bally's 1932 'Ballyhoo.'

The Ballota-Ball's design features a compact footprint, measuring over 80 cm in length and approximately 45 cm in width, with a height varying from 20 to 25 cm, and weighing 15 kg. This size and weight are consistent with its classification as a table-top/counter game rather than a full-size pinball.

Little is known about its designer or theme, and no artwork or branding details survive. Its resemblance to the Ballyhoo playfield suggests it may have been influenced by American designs of the period. For collectors and enthusiasts, this machine offers a glimpse into the formative years of pinball's development in Germany.