Machine Description

Combat, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in the mid-1960s, emerged during a period when military and war-themed pinball machines were particularly popular, reflecting the broader cultural context of the Cold War era. The machine captured the zeitgeist of a time when military themes resonated strongly with the American public.

As an electro-mechanical pinball machine, Combat featured the classic components of the era, including mechanical score reels, bells, and chimes that created the distinctive sounds associated with vintage pinball. The playfield likely included military-themed artwork and targets designed to evoke battlefield elements, which was common for games of this theme and period. The machine would have utilized the reliable mechanical systems that characterized pinball manufacturing before the advent of solid-state electronics.

While specific production numbers are not widely documented, Combat represents an important piece of pinball history from the golden age of electro-mechanical machines. It demonstrates how pinball manufacturers of the era incorporated contemporary themes into their games to attract players. The military theme, combined with Gottlieb's reputation for quality manufacturing, would have made this machine a notable addition to arcades and entertainment venues of the mid-1960s.