Le Passe Partout
About This Machine
Le Passe Partout is a rare and enigmatic pure mechanical pinball machine from an unknown manufacturer. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but its unique gameplay mechanics and design elements make it a fascinating addition to any pinball collection. The machine's simplicity belies its complexity, with 14 trap holes of varying point values scattered across the playfield, each surrounded by intricate geometric designs painted in vibrant colors.
What sets Le Passe Partout apart is its innovative scoring system, where balls landing in matching colored holes score double points. This clever mechanic adds a layer of strategy to gameplay, as players must carefully consider which holes to aim for based on their color. The machine's two "A REJOUER" gobble holes, marked with the French phrase "to play," allow players to replay lost balls, adding an element of chance and unpredictability to the game.
Despite its unknown origins, Le Passe Partout is a testament to the ingenuity of early pinball designers. Its cabinet measures 870 mm long by 470 mm wide, with a unique shape that would be at home in any classic arcade or museum setting. The instruction card, written in French, provides a glimpse into the machine's intended playstyle and offers insight into the cultural context in which it was created. As one of the few pure mechanical pinball machines from an unknown manufacturer, Le Passe Partout is a true rarity that will captivate any pinball enthusiast with its mystique and charm.
Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- 0.25 francs for 10 balls. Playfield has fourteen trap holes, each labeled to score either 20, 50, 100, 150, 300, 400, 500, 1000, or 1500 points. Two gobble holes are marked "A REJOUER" ("to play") which probably return the ball to the player to shoot again. The two 100-point trap holes are at the playfield bottom, placed between two outholes troughs marked "PERDU" ("lost"). All other trap holes are surrounded by geometic designs, mostly square in shape, painted on the playfield in red, green, white, or yellow. The remainder of the playfield is light brown in color. Cabinet measures 870 mm long, 470 mm wide, 190 mm high in the front, and 230 mm high in the back. The instruction card states: 1 - Introduire une piece de 0.25Fr dans la fente. 2 - Pousser puis tirer sur la manette ŕ gauche pour faire tomber les billes. 3 - Appuyer sur la manette inférieure droite pour mettre la bille en position de jeu. 4 - Tirer doucement la manette du haut pour faire le maximum de points. Quand une bille se pose dans un trou de meme couleur, les points comptent double. English translation: 1 - Ins ert a 0.25Fr. 2 - Push then pull the left lever to dr ain the balls. 3 - Push the lower right handle to put the ball in shooting position. 4 - Pull gently the upper right handle to score a maximum of points. When a ball lands in a hole of the same color, scores counts double.