LICA
About This Machine
The LICA pinball machine is a rare and enigmatic find from the early days of pinball history. Unfortunately, its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, with the manufacturer, designer, and year of production remaining unknown. Despite this lack of information, the game's unique design and gameplay features make it an intriguing addition to any pinball collection.
One of the most distinctive aspects of LICA is its pure mechanical operation, a departure from the electromechanical pinball machines that would soon become the norm. Players can insert 25 centimes to collect 10 balls, which are shot into play using a large metal lever on the front of the cabinet. The game's layout features a long, open lower playfield with a radiating sun design and a unique scoring system, where players must guide balls through parallel lanes to score points. The presence of a black ball doubles the player's score, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.
The LICA's art and design are also noteworthy, with its blue-colored upper and lower playfield aprons creating a striking visual effect. The game's instructions, written in French, provide a glimpse into the machine's intended operation and add to its mystique. As a pure mechanical game with a cabinet style typical of the 1930s, LICA is a fascinating artifact offering a glimpse into the early days of coin-operated amusement. Its rarity and unique features make it a must-see for any serious pinball enthusiast.
Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- 10 balls for 25 centimes. Based on viewing pictures of this game, we make this assessment: It has a long wood cabinet that appears to be approximately 36 to 40 inches long. It has no legs but rests on a metal stand, typical of the 1930's. The upper and lower playfield aprons are blue in color. The lower playfield is completely open (no components to stop a ball) and shows a large radiating sun design above which appears the name LICA. The upper playfield has eleven long lanes in parallel that each feed a scoring hole at its lower end. Nine lanes each have what looks like a post in its middle to prevent ball passage and surely these posts lower at start of game. The playfield has an outer lane around its perimeter, starting from the shooter lane. The ball is shot into play to travel this lane counter-clockwise around the perimeter, and when the ball reaches the bottom arch of the playfield, the player can operate a large metal lever on the front of the cabinet which mechanically moves or bends this lower arch, thus influencing the direction that the ball takes as it finally enters the playfield area. The instructions on the apron are in French and translate as follows: LICA REGISTERED TRADEMARK INS ERT 1 x 25 Cents coin to collect the 10 balls. PUSH the plunger to lift the ball. PULL STRONGLY the shooter and steer the balls using the guide. PULL GENTLY to ease the balls into the holes of the upper surface. THE BLACK BALL doubles the score.