The Royal

The Royal is an Add-A-Ball electro-mechanical pinball machine of unknown manufacture, built as a copy of Gottlieb's 1974 "Royal Pair." The known example of this game was located in Italy, consistent with the practice of unlicensed manufacturers copying popular Gottlieb designs of the era.

Gameplay on The Royal follows the format of its source game, an Add-A-Ball machine with a playing-card theme reflected in its artwork and cabinet design. As an EM machine relying on relays, solenoids, and score reels rather than solid-state electronics, it represents the mechanical style of pinball common before the transition to electronic scoring.

Because its manufacturer and production history remain undocumented, The Royal remains something of a mystery. Its status as a copy of a well-known Gottlieb title, combined with its scarcity, makes it an intriguing find for collectors researching unlicensed pinball production.