Crusader

The 1933 Bally Manufacturing Corporation's Crusader is an early piece of gaming history from the purely mechanical (PM) era of pin games, predating the electromechanical and solid-state technology that would later revolutionize the industry. Its design showcases the ingenuity of early pinball pioneers, who relied on intricate mechanisms and clever use of space to create engaging gameplay around its medieval theme.

What sets the Crusader apart from its contemporaries is its Race-Track Tunnel on the right playfield, which adds an element of excitement and challenge to the game. The playfield used distinctive Catalin-covered pins, and the game was played with 1-inch catalin plastic balls. Players were attracted by the promise of 10 balls for just five cents, making it an affordable and enticing option in the depths of the Depression. The game was advertised as 5 feet 2 inches long and 2 feet 2 inches wide - a substantial presence in any location.

A fascinating footnote: the game shipped with a two-sided score card. One side showed awards as payouts 'in trade', while the other showed point awards 'For Amusement Only'. According to the Encyclopedia of Pinball, operators often kept the card off the game so that if the law questioned a location about payouts, the card could quickly be flipped to the non-payout version. The Crusader remains an interesting artifact of the era, offering a glimpse into the creative problem-solving that characterized the development of early pin games.