Capitol

The Capitol pinball machine, dated August 1932, is an intriguing example of early pure mechanical (PM) pinball design. Its government-themed presentation and patriotic color scheme make it a distinctive piece from pinball's earliest years. Its manufacturer remains unknown, and even its recent history is a bit of a mystery: a photographer spotted the game at the 2015 Chicagoland pinball show, complete with what appeared to be a ball lift mechanism, but it disappeared before more photos could be taken.

The Capitol's gameplay is characteristic of pure mechanical games from this era. Players shoot seven balls for a single cent, creating a fast, unpredictable experience. The playfield pins are capped in red, white, and blue, tying directly into the machine's "Capitol"/government theme.

The machine's design reflects the simplicity typical of its time. Although the designer remains unknown, and little additional documentation is available, Capitol's rarity and early-1930s origins make it a fascinating find for collectors and historians studying the earliest days of pinball design.