Zip

Zip, manufactured by Great Northern Chair Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1932, holds a significant place in the early history of pinball. As one of the first pinball machines to hit the market, Zip is an essential artifact for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand the evolution of the game. Its existence predates many other notable pinball machines of its era, making it a rare find with limited information available.

Zip's gameplay features 1-cent or 5-cent play, allowing players to enjoy the machine at an affordable price point. The dimensions are specified as 31 inches long and 16 inches wide, providing a compact footprint for early pinball enthusiasts. What sets Zip apart is its classification as a Pure Mechanical (PM) game, suggesting that it relied on mechanical components rather than electromechanical systems. This early design choice highlights the innovative spirit of pinball pioneers during this period.

Unfortunately, there is limited information available about Zip's design, art, or theme. Its lack of visual documentation and sparse historical records make it challenging to speculate about its aesthetic appeal or intended playstyle. As a result, collectors and enthusiasts must rely on empirical observation and speculation when handling the machine, making every discovery a fascinating moment in understanding the early days of pinball.