Machine Description

Chicago Coin's 'Frontier' pinball machine, released in 1959, emerged during America's golden age of Western-themed entertainment, capitalizing on the massive popularity of TV westerns like 'Gunsmoke' and 'Bonanza'. This electro-mechanical pinball machine embodied the rugged spirit of the American West, featuring artwork depicting cowboys, saloons, and frontier landscapes.

The machine's design incorporated classic elements of late 1950s pinball architecture, with traditional standup targets, roll-over switches, and pop bumpers. The playfield likely featured Western-themed obstacles and targets, possibly including sheriff's badges, wagon wheels, and cowboy boots. As was common for machines of this era, it utilized relay-based scoring and chime units to create the distinctive sounds that characterized electro-mechanical pinball games.

While not as widely remembered as some other machines of its era, 'Frontier' represents an important piece of both pinball and American pop culture history. It exemplifies how the amusement industry reflected and capitalized on the broader entertainment trends of the 1950s, particularly the nation's fascination with Western themes. The machine would have been a common sight in bars, bowling alleys, and arcades during the late 1950s and early 1960s, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in an idealized version of the American West.