Machine Description

Diamond Lill stands as a classic example of early 1950s pinball design, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines. The game captured the post-war American zeitgeist with its playful character theme and distinctive artwork style typical of the era.

The machine featured a classic fan-style playfield layout common to early 1950s pinball designs, with the signature Gottlieb build quality that made them an industry leader. Diamond Lill's theme played on the popular 'diamond dame' character trope of the period, likely inspired by the success of shows like 'Guys and Dolls' and the broader cultural fascination with diamond-loving showgirls and socialites.

As an electro-mechanical machine, Diamond Lill utilized relay-based scoring and chime units to create its audio feedback, with gameplay focused on hitting specific targets and rollovers to advance scores. The artwork and theme would have appealed to the adult audience that frequented bars and arcades of the early 1950s, as pinball was still primarily marketed as adult entertainment during this period.

While production numbers aren't definitively known, machines from this era typically saw production runs between 1,000 and 2,500 units. Diamond Lill represents an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the artistic and mechanical engineering capabilities of the early 1950s arcade industry.