Big-Bertha (Junior)
About This Machine
Big-Bertha (Junior) is an electro-mechanical pinball machine from August 1934, produced by Daval Manufacturing Co. of Chicago. As an early example from the pre-flipper era, it offers insight into the military-themed novelty games popular in the mid-1930s.
Gameplay on Big-Bertha (Junior) centers on two kickers and 10 steel balls available for 5 cents. Players can fire both cannons by landing a ball in the 'Free Shot Range Finder' hole, while landing in the 'Advances Reserves' hole returns all balls in the outhole trough to the player, adding a layer of strategy to the game. The use of ringing bells and shooting cannons creates a distinctive World War I combat atmosphere.
The Junior version pin table measures 41 inches long by 19 inches wide, featuring a solid-color coin door, two-toned cabinet, and light-striped legs. Its name references the 'Big Bertha' German howitzer of World War I. While the designer remains unknown, and the game's playfield differs subtly from the companion Senior model, Big-Bertha (Junior) offers a glimpse into how early novelty pinball drew on historical and wartime imagery.
Images (28)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Combat - Military - Historical - Wartime - Warfare - World War I
- Notable Features:
- 10 balls for 5 cents. Kickers (2). A ball landing in the 'Free Shot Range Finder' hole fires both cannons. Landing in 'Advances Reserves' hole returns to the player all balls in outhole trough. The Junior version pin table was advertised as 41 inches long by 19 inches wide. It uses steel balls, has a solid-color coin door, two-toned cabinet, and the legs have light stripes. It has shooting cannons and ringing bells.