Crystal

Crystal, an enigmatic electro-mechanical pinball from Bally Manufacturing Corporation, presents a fascinating mystery for collectors and historians alike. Scarce information has been found for this game, and no pictures of it are known to survive. Billboard resale ads from 1941 mention this game, and later Coin Machine Journal ads from Williams indicate Crystal was a source game for their wartime conversions Flat-Top and Laura (1945) -- evidence on which it is classified as a one-player game. Based on this, Crystal is inferred to have been made in 1940-1941, though only one advertisement found so far identifies Bally as the manufacturer.

The gameplay features of Crystal are equally intriguing, with its EM configuration showcasing the relays, switches, and solenoids typical of pinball machines of its era. Though specific rules and objectives remain unclear, enthusiasts can imagine the challenges and rewards that this machine would have presented in its prime. The lack of documentation only adds to the allure, as collectors and players alike are left to ponder the secrets hidden within Crystal's mechanical core.

Unfortunately, there is little concrete information available about Crystal, including any notable design or artistic elements or a confirmed theme. Its blank slate status has made it a subject of speculation among pinball enthusiasts. While its true significance may never be fully revealed, Crystal remains an intriguing entry in the world of pinball, inspiring curiosity among collectors and historians who seek to uncover its hidden stories.