Les Étoiles

Les Étoiles, a rare and enigmatic pure mechanical pinball machine from an unknown manufacturer, is a fascinating artifact of the early days of pinball history, dating to the early 1930s. With its mysterious origins, this table-top game has garnered interest among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique features and mechanical complexity. As a pure mechanical (PM) machine, it predates the electromechanical era, offering insight into pinball's earliest years.

The gameplay on Les Étoiles is characterized by its extensive use of trap holes, a feature that was uncommon at this time period. A total of 10 curved trap holes can capture up to three balls each, except for the topmost hole, which holds only one ball and features a gold star with a multicolored "comet trail" radiating outward across the playfield. Two free play holes marked "A REJOUER" offer players a chance to restart their game. Unlike the closely related 'La Comete' (which shares the same layout and colors), Les Étoiles adds a shooter lane allowing the ball to loop 360 degrees around the playfield before entering play.

The name LES ÉTOILES (French for "The Stars") appears on the playfield just below the curved metal upper ball arch. Little else is known about this machine's history or production details beyond that it was located in France, leaving Les Étoiles an intriguing enigma among pinball enthusiasts.