Parlor Bagatelle (Two Bell)

The Parlor Bagatelle (Two Bell) is a rare and intriguing artifact from the early days of pinball history. As one of the earliest known mechanical pinball-precursor games produced by M. Redgrave Bagatelle Company of Jersey City, New Jersey, it holds significance as an ancestor to the modern pinball machine. The company's output during its active years (through 1925, with an uncertain start date) is relatively unknown, making the Parlor Bagatelle a prized find for collectors and historians.

As a pure mechanical bagatelle, gameplay would have relied on a plunger or similar mechanism to launch balls onto an inclined, pin-studded playfield, with no flippers or other player-controlled deflectors — a hallmark of games from this pre-flipper era. The "Two Bell" name likely refers to bell-related scoring targets on the playfield, though the exact meaning is not documented. With no clear theme in sight, it's likely that the game was more about mechanical novelty than storytelling.

While little is known about the Parlor Bagatelle's designer or its initial release date, its pure mechanical design and lack of electricity make it an interesting relic of a bygone era. Its rarity only adds to its allure, making it a highly sought-after find for those who appreciate the evolution of pinball from its humble beginnings.