Kue Ball
About This Machine
The Kue Ball, a rare and enigmatic pin table from 1932, stands as one of the earliest examples of pure mechanical play. Its design showcases the ingenuity of early pinball pioneers, who were still experimenting with gameplay mechanics and player interaction.
The Kue Ball's unique features include a tray on the front of the cabinet that dispenses balls for play, allowing players to enjoy continuous gameplay without manual loading. The machine has 10 trap holes on its glass-covered playfield. What sets it apart is its cue-stick shooting mechanism: players place a ball at an opening in the shooter lane and use a small ledge to steady their hand while launching the ball with a cue stick, creating a billiards-like experience. The cabinet was advertised as 50 inches long, 26 inches wide, with a playing surface 37 inches high.
Regrettably, the manufacturer is unknown, and without further information on the designer, we are left to appreciate this enigmatic machine as a relic of a bygone era - an artifact, sold through the exclusive distributor Modern Vending Company of New York City, that speaks to the pioneering spirit of those who first experimented with the possibilities of pinball.
Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- Trap holes (10). Cabinet advertised as 50 inches long, 26 inches wide, and a playing surface 37 inches high. Tray on front of cabinet dispenses balls to play. Glass-covered playfield. Player places ball in an opening at shooter lane and where a small ledge allows player to place hand to shoot ball with a cue stick as if in billiards.