Original Screwy ‘pure mechanical’ pinball machine released by the Bally Manufacturing Corporation circa June 1932. The tabletop machine, 16.5˝ x 32˝ x 9˝, approximately 30 pounds, is comprised of its original wooden cabinet with a glass top, through which the player can observe the colorful ‘figure eight’ playfield layout, with matching scoring catches of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 800, and 1000 points. The game sheet to lower border reads: “SCREWY, Instructions / Insert coin in slot and push forward – to raise ball press lever underneath plunger / Rules – Yellow ball doubles score of that shot only.” Circles to either side read, “Game of Skill for Amusement Only,” and the sheet bears an affixed label: “7 Balls 1¢.” The top front edge of the frame is engraved, “1065,” and the coin slot is dated to May 1933. The coin door to cabinet rear is missing its key. In fine condition, with the plunger knob missing. When it was first released, Bally offered this game for $16.50 with an optional wood stand for $2.50 or a metal stand for $2.00. A beautiful Depression-era pinball machine designed by Bally founder Raymond Moloney.
