Free Gunnery Training Sight

Meet the enigmatic Free Gunnery Training Sight, a rare and intriguing artifact that has piqued the interest of pinball historians and enthusiasts alike. This is not a pinball machine at all, but a World War II military training device manufactured by J.H. Keeney and Company Incorporated, a Chicago-based company that operated from 1934 to 1964. Keeney was one of several Chicago-area amusement manufacturers redirected to war production after the 1942 War Production Board order halted pinball manufacturing.

Despite the lack of clear information on how the device was used in practice, one thing is certain: its significance lies in its historical context. The identification plate riveted to the item reveals that it was manufactured for the US Navy's Special Devices Division (Bureau of Aeronautics) as a Free Gunnery Training Sight, model 3-A-5-E, under contract NOa(s)-2214. It served as a training tool for naval gunners rather than as entertainment.

While its precise functional details remain unknown, this device is undoubtedly unique and offers a glimpse into the lesser-known side of pinball manufacturers' wartime history. The intricate design and metalwork, combined with its utilitarian purpose, make it an intriguing addition to any collection. Little else is known about this enigmatic machine, leaving us to wonder what secrets lie within its mechanical heart.