Hi-Ball (Improved)

The Hi-Ball (Improved) pinball machine, manufactured by Peo Manufacturing Corporation of Rochester, New York, is a rare and significant piece of early pinball history, produced sometime in the 1930s during the company's 1932-1936 run. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the game, showcasing how early manufacturers experimented with different designs and features.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hi-Ball is its gameplay mechanics. The machine boasts ten balls for five cents, a generous offering at the time. A unique feature of this machine is that gold, blue, and bronze balls count double if placed in corresponding pockets, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game. This emphasis on ball tracking and counting is a departure from later pinball machines, which often focused on flipper-based shots.

The Hi-Ball's design is equally notable. One advertisement listed the cabinet at 37 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 40 inches high on its detachable legs; another ad described it as sold complete with a sturdy wooden stand. This is the 'improved' version of Peo's original 1932 'Hi-Ball,' distinguished by a new, colorful playing board and shorter parallel ball guides at the top of the playfield. No clear connection to a specific theme or designer has been established through research, but the Hi-Ball remains an important artifact offering insight into the development of early pinball.