Superior Pool

The Superior Pool, manufactured by Keeney and Sons of Chicago between 1931 and 1932, is a notable relic from the early days of mechanical pinball, reflecting the billiards theme that was popular among counter games of the era.

Gameplay on the Superior Pool features seven balls that could be played for just one cent, an affordable and enticing prospect for players at the time. As a pure mechanical game predating the invention of flippers, the ball's path was controlled entirely through the table's mechanical layout rather than player-operated flippers. A distinctive feature is its tilt mechanism: if the game is tilted, a metal barrier rises on the playfield to block the player from directing balls into the higher-scoring lanes.

Measuring 21 1/2 inches long, 12 3/4 inches wide, and 5 5/8 inches high in front (9 3/4 inches including the marquee at the back), the Superior Pool was a compact counter-top game. Not much else is documented about this machine beyond its basic specifications, but for pinball enthusiasts, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of mechanical pinball design and development.