Won-Der-Bar

The Won-Der-Bar, produced by Revolving Table Games Co. of Chicago, Illinois, is a rare and intriguing example of early pinball innovation, dating to the early 1930s. It is an entirely mechanical, flipperless cocktail-table machine: the round, glass-covered table rotates to position the rectangular playfield to face whichever person is seated at the table, letting multiple people take turns from different sides without moving the machine itself.

Gameplay on the Won-Der-Bar revolves around 5-cent plays and two free-play holes, adding a layer of strategy and accessibility to the machine. The presence of 16 trap holes creates an element of unpredictability, challenging players to manage their gameplay effectively. Its rotating table is what makes the machine distinctive, allowing multiple people to participate around it in turn.

The Won-Der-Bar's design and art are characteristic of its era, with a focus on music, singing, and dancing themes. Little information is available about the designer or any notable aspects beyond its rotating-table feature. Despite the lack of specific details, this machine stands out as an unusual multiplayer approach to early mechanical pinball gameplay.