Crossline

Crossline, manufactured by Bally in May 1937 (model number 156), is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from an important transitional period, when pinball games were evolving from simple, purely mechanical devices into more complex machines incorporating electrical components. Like all games of its era, Crossline predates the invention of the flipper, so players relied on the plunger and nudging skill rather than direct ball control.

One documented detail of the game is its flexibility for operators: it could be adjusted for 2, 3, 4, or 5-ball play. Beyond that, little is recorded about its playfield features, artwork, or designer—not unusual for pre-war games, many of which lacked a clear theme as we understand it today.

For collectors and enthusiasts interested in the earliest days of pinball, Crossline serves as an interesting piece of Bally's pre-war history, providing insight into how the game evolved over time.