Blue Seal

Released by Watling Manufacturing Company of Chicago in April 1932, Blue Seal is a pure mechanical pinball machine designed by Albert J. Watling. This single-player game operates without electrical components, featuring a stationary playfield where only the balls move. The machine offers 1 or 5 cent play options for 10 balls per game.

The machine features a walnut finish with solid walnut top and innovative detachable legs that store inside the cabinet for transport. Measuring 28.5 inches long, 28.5 inches wide, and 37 inches high, Blue Seal represents the compact, portable design philosophy of early 1930s coin-operated amusement devices. The machine achieved historic significance as one of the first games to receive a design patent, granted February 7, 1933 as patent number D89,228.

Blue Seal exemplifies the pure mechanical pinball design of the early 1930s, before the introduction of electrical scoring and playfield features. Featured in The Billboard magazine in June and July 1932, the machine represents Watlings brief but important contribution to early pinball history during the companys 1932-1935 operation. The design patent recognition underscores the machines innovative approach to coin-operated entertainment during the formative years of pinball manufacturing.