Fox and Hound

The Fox and Hound, created by Earl Froom's firm, Froom Laboratories, Inc., in January 1936, is an electro-mechanical pinball machine that showcases its manufacturer's bold approach to game design. It was new on display at the 1936 Coin Machine Exposition in Chicago. Its unique gameplay mechanics set it apart from other early machines, marking a distinct departure from more conventional electromechanical designs of the period.

The Fox and Hound's innovative feature is the use of a hollow steel ball, or "Fox," which is kept in motion by electrical means until it falls into a score hole, or "Hound." This electro-mechanical mechanism predates the introduction of flippers and other modern pinball features. The playfield's terrain, characterized by hills and valleys without pins, adds to its distinctiveness. Players must rely on luck and strategy to guide the Fox towards scoring opportunities.

The Fox and Hound's design, art, and theme are notable for their minimalism. With no clear theme or artwork present, it stands as an example of early pinball machines' stripped-back aesthetic. Little is known about its production run, but this lack of information only adds to its mystique, offering a fascinating glimpse into pinball's early days for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of the genre.