Special Marble (No Horseshoe)

Special Marble (No Horseshoe) is an early example of pinball's mechanical roots. Produced by A.B.T. Manufacturing Company in 1933 and sold new for $44.00, it is part of the early wave of pure mechanical (PM) pintables that predate the electromechanical machines that would soon follow.

This Pure Mechanical (PM) game relies on gravity and simple mechanical scoring rather than the flippers and electric features of later machines. A.B.T. made a nearly identical game the same year under a similar name, the 'Special Marble (Horseshoe Board),' which adds a horseshoe diverter; this version has no such diverter, making it the simpler of the pair.

Limited information exists about Special Marble (No Horseshoe) beyond its basic specifications, making it all the more intriguing to enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and mechanical simplicity. It remains an interesting piece in the pinball puzzle, offering a glimpse into the early days of the game before electromechanical innovations transformed the industry.