El Paso

The Williams El Paso, manufactured in November 1948, hails from the earliest years of flipper pinball, when the flipper — introduced to the industry only about two years earlier — was still reshaping how the game was played. Designed by the legendary Harry Williams with artwork by George Molentin, El Paso reflects Williams Manufacturing Company's output during this formative period.

Gameplay on El Paso is characterized by its simplicity and challenge. Players received five balls for 5 cents. The two flippers allow players to manipulate the ball's trajectory, while two pop bumpers, four passive bumpers, and a single kick-out hole provide scoring opportunities and obstacles to navigate. A notable quirk is the complete lack of outlanes, an arrangement rarely seen on later games. The replay wheel counts to a maximum of 25, and three bells provide the soundtrack.

The El Paso's American Places theme celebrates the Texas border city, rendered in George Molentin's period artwork. While little else is documented about the game beyond its specifications, the Williams El Paso remains an appealing piece of pinball history and a testament to Harry Williams' prolific early designs.