Machine Description

The Dipsy Doodle pinball machine, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in the late 1940s, represents a classic example of early post-war pinball design. Named after the popular 1947 song 'The Dipsy Doodle' by Tommy Dorsey, this machine captured the playful spirit of America's post-war entertainment culture.

The machine featured the characteristic elements of early electro-mechanical pinball design, including mechanical score reels, bells, and bumpers. Its playfield likely incorporated the standard features of the era: pop bumpers, kick-out holes, and simple scoring mechanisms. The artwork would have reflected the late 1940s aesthetic, with bright colors and art deco influences that were common during this period.

As with many pinball machines of this era, the Dipsy Doodle would have been found in drugstores, bowling alleys, and other public entertainment venues, providing affordable entertainment for a nickel. While production numbers are not definitively known, machines from this period typically had production runs of 1,000 to 2,500 units. The Dipsy Doodle represents an important transition period in pinball history, as manufacturers were beginning to incorporate more complex scoring mechanisms and playfield features following the end of World War II.