Humpty Dumpty (pinball)

Humpty Dumpty was a groundbreaking electro-mechanical pinball machine released in 1947 by D. Gottlieb & Co. Often considered the first pinball machine to feature flippers, Humpty Dumpty revolutionized the game and set the stage for the modern pinball experience. Prior to Humpty Dumpty, players relied solely on nudging and plunger skill to influence the ball's trajectory.

Humpty Dumpty featured six flippers, arranged in three pairs near the bottom of the playfield. This unusual configuration offered players a level of control previously unseen in pinball. Although the flippers were not in the now-standard lower position, their inclusion marked a significant turning point in pinball history.

The game's theme, based on the popular nursery rhyme character, was reflected in the artwork and playfield design. While not the most complex game in terms of rules or scoring, Humpty Dumpty's historical significance and innovative flipper design cemented its place as a cornerstone of pinball history. Its success paved the way for future innovations and the widespread adoption of flippers in virtually all subsequent pinball machines.