Hurdy Gurdy

The Hurdy Gurdy pinball machine, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1966, represents a classic example of mid-1960s electro-mechanical pinball design. Drawing inspiration from traditional street organs and carnival entertainment, this machine captured the whimsical spirit of its namesake musical instrument through both its artwork and mechanical features.

The machine featured a traditional fan layout with four flippers and incorporated the period-typical scoring mechanics of its era. Its playfield likely included multiple standing targets, roll-over switches, and the standard complement of pop bumpers characteristic of mid-1960s Gottlieb games. The artwork would have featured bright, carnival-themed graphics consistent with the hurdy-gurdy street performance theme.

As an electro-mechanical machine from this period, it operated entirely on relay logic and step-up units for scoring, without any electronic displays or solid-state components. While not one of Gottlieb's most famous titles from this era, Hurdy Gurdy represents an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the mechanical ingenuity and artistic design sensibilities of the classic EM period.