Egyptian Pin Game

The Egyptian Pin Game by The Fred W. Stein Mfg. Co. of Atchison, Kansas is a rare and enigmatic gem from the early days of pinball history, dating from around 1931-32. Its pure mechanical design makes it an important precursor to the modern pinball machines that followed. As one of the earliest examples of a commercial pin table, this machine's significance lies in its ability to provide an engaging and challenging experience for players. Interestingly, company founder Fred W. Stein is otherwise known as a radio and electronics inventor, with no other confirmed connection to mechanical pinball manufacturing.

The Egyptian Pin Game features a whiffle-style playfield offering 10 balls for just five cents, a remarkably low price point considering the era in which it was produced. The cabinet measures 36 inches long, 16 1/2 inches wide, and stands between 36 and 37 1/2 inches tall on its legs, giving players a compact yet immersive experience. The lower playfield includes a paper apron printed with playing directions, a gambling notice, and the manufacturer's name.

Despite the scarcity of information about this machine's designer and artistic details, its mechanical simplicity and affordability make it an attractive target for collectors and historians. The Egyptian Pin Game is a reminder that even in the earliest days of pinball, manufacturers were experimenting with gameplay mechanics and designs that would eventually shape the industry into what we know today.