Five Star Final Jr.

The Five Star Final Jr. is a rare and significant early countertop game from D. Gottlieb & Company, one of the pioneers of the industry. Produced in May 1932, this Pure Mechanical (PM) tabletop game is a testament to the innovative spirit of its era. Coming just a year after Gottlieb's breakthrough Baffle Ball, it predates many of the iconic titles that followed and belongs to the very first wave of commercial pinball.

What makes the Five Star Final Jr. distinctive is its "Figure 8" playfield layout. Players could play 5, 7, or 10 balls per play at either 1 cent or 5 cents, offering a tantalizing combination of strategy and chance. The machine's compact size - approximately 32 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 8 inches high - suited counters and tabletops, with an optional wood or steel stand available at additional cost.

The name has an intriguing backstory: "Five Star Final" was a 1931 Hollywood movie nominated for Best Picture, but according to Michael Gottlieb, his grandfather David Gottlieb chose the name because he thought it would be the last game he'd ever make. Its historical significance and pioneering design make it a fascinating glimpse into the early days of pinball's transition from novelty game to beloved pastime.