ROCK-OLA “DeLUXE 46” 5¢ PINBALL MACHINE — 1935

Rare Pre-Flipper American Coin-Operated Amusement Machine
DETAILS
Model: DeLuxe 46
Date: 1935
Country: USA
Type: Electro-mechanical pre-flipper pinball machine
Players: One
Coinage: 5 cents
Play: One ball for 5¢
Approx. dimensions: 48 × 24 × 44 inches
Keys: Original keys included
Provenance: Oklahoma City amusement licence expiring 30 April 1936
CONDITION

A remarkable survivor from the formative years of American pinball — an original Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation “DeLuxe 46” five-cent coin-operated pinball machine, manufactured in 1935.

Produced decades before the electronic pinball era and before the introduction of player-controlled flippers, the DeLuxe 46 uses a colourful inclined playfield incorporating scoring holes, pins, ball channels, free-play feature and electro-mechanical components.

The exceptionally colourful Art Deco-influenced playfield remains highly decorative, incorporating scoring values from 10 to 150, FREE PLAY, GRAND PRIZE and multiple “OUT” positions.

Of particular interest is the surviving original-period:

“5¢ AMUSEMENT LICENSE — OKLA. CITY — EXP. APR. 30, 1936 — No. 384”

This provides fascinating evidence of the machine's commercial operation in Oklahoma City during 1935–36, very shortly after the model was introduced.

The cabinet also retains its RMC — “It's a Rock-Ola Product” manufacturer's decal.

Manufacturer: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation

Presented in highly attractive vintage condition with considerable original character.

The machine currently requires mechanical/electrical recommissioning and is being sold as a restoration project. It has been described as requiring a battery; complete operation has not been verified.

The cabinet, colourful playfield, original-style hardware, Rock-Ola identification and important Oklahoma City amusement licence have been retained.

Age-related wear, marks and deterioration are consistent with a commercial amusement machine approaching 90 years of age.

Importantly, the machine has not been cosmetically over-restored. Preservation of its original surfaces and period patina is considered desirable.