Infra-Red Scorer (AA)

The Infra-Red Scorer (AA) is a rare and intriguing artifact from World War II, manufactured by J.H. Keeney & Co., Inc.—a company otherwise known for pinball production—during the war years when amusement manufacturing was halted for the war effort. This device served as a US Navy anti-aircraft gun scorer using infrared technology, part of the Special Devices Division's Bureau of Aeronautics program (Device Number 3-A-20c, Contract No. NOa(s)4343).

As an enigmatic machine, the Infra-Red Scorer raises more questions than answers. Its exact operating mechanism is unknown, and its precise field use remains unclear due to the lack of documentation. It is a metal box roughly 18 by 9 by 11 inches, fitted with dials and knobs on its front, hinting at a device that was both functional and purpose-built for training or scoring gunnery exercises.

The identification plate on this device serves as a tangible link to its past, providing a glimpse into a bygone era of military innovation. As a piece of pinball-industry history, the Infra-Red Scorer represents a fascinating intersection of technology and wartime necessity, beckoning enthusiasts to unravel its mysteries and uncover its secrets.