Double 8
About This Machine
The Double 8 is a rare and intriguing example of early pinball history. Its exact manufacturer is unknown, making it a fascinating enigma among collectors and historians. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) machine dating from around the early 1930s, it pre-dates the widespread use of electronic components that would come to define the industry.
What sets Double 8 apart is its "Figure 8" playfield layout. The game's mechanics are outlined on its French-language instruction card: insert a 25-centime coin, lower the right lever to raise a ball, then pull and release the pusher to shoot. A single coin buys ten balls, after which the player's total points are tallied. A key twist is that the yellow ball counts double.
The cabinet is compact, measuring about 79 cm (31 inches) long and 41 cm (16 inches) wide, standing 17 cm (6.7 inches) high at the front and 22 cm (8.7 inches) high at the rear. This example is not to be confused with Stoner's unrelated 1934 game also called 'Double '8'.' No information is available on the game's theme or artwork, and its origins remain something of a mystery, but its distinctive layout and mechanics make it an intriguing piece of pinball's pioneering era.
Images (11)
Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- 10 balls for 25 centimes. "Figure 8" playfield layout. Cabinet measured 79 cm long, 41 cm wide, 17 cm high in the front, and 22 cm high in the rear. The instruction card is in French, translated here: RULE OF THE GAME 1. Ins ert a 25 centimes coin and push all the way in. 2. Lower the right lever to raise a ball. 3. Pull and release the pusher. 4. After playing the ten balls, total the points. The yellow ball counts double.