King of Diamonds

King of Diamonds, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1967, represents a classic example of the late electro-mechanical era of pinball design. During this period, Gottlieb was known for producing some of the most elegant and well-balanced pinball machines, with themes that appealed to a broad audience.

The machine's card-playing theme capitalized on the enduring popularity of poker and casino culture in the 1960s. The playfield featured card-themed artwork and targets, with the majestic King of Diamonds serving as the central character. The gameplay incorporated traditional pinball elements including pop bumpers, drop targets, and scoring lanes, all designed to simulate aspects of card playing through pinball mechanics.

As an electro-mechanical machine, King of Diamonds operated using relay switches, stepper units, and score motors - the complex mechanical systems that preceded modern electronic controls. The score display used rotating drum units typical of the era, and the machine's sounds were produced by mechanical bells and chimes rather than electronic sound effects. While not as well-known as some other Gottlieb titles from this period, King of Diamonds represents an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity of electro-mechanical game design.