Four Aces

The Four Aces pinball machine, produced by Genco Manufacturing Company in May 1942, holds a poignant place in pinball history. According to the manufacturer's ad in Billboard magazine dated May 2, 1942, this was Genco's last game before the shutdown of amusement game production ordered by the War Production Board, making it a snapshot of the industry at the very moment America's factories turned to the war effort. Fittingly, its theme is one of aviation and World War II combat.

This single-player, flipperless electro-mechanical game features fourteen passive bumpers, a common configuration for the era. Gameplay revolves around launching the ball and watching it work through the bumper field to score points, with none of the flippers or advanced features that would arrive after the war. Its simplicity is part of its charm, providing an authentic experience for collectors who appreciate the vintage aesthetic.

An interesting detail for historians: the playfield carries patent RE 20698 for "Game Apparatus," filed in 1934 and granted in 1938 to William H. Bellah. As the final Genco game of the prewar era, Four Aces offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a piece of gaming history shaped directly by world events.