Liberty

Liberty, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1976, was perfectly timed to capitalize on America's bicentennial celebrations. This electro-mechanical pinball machine embodied the patriotic fervor of the era, featuring iconic American imagery including the Liberty Bell, American flags, and revolutionary war motifs.

The machine's playfield design was characteristic of mid-1970s Gottlieb games, featuring drop targets, pop bumpers, and the traditional standup targets that were hallmarks of the era. The backglass artwork showcased bold red, white, and blue colors with dramatic illustrations of American independence themes, making it particularly appealing during the bicentennial year.

As one of the last electro-mechanical machines produced before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics, Liberty represents an important milestone in pinball history. It exemplified the peak of electro-mechanical engineering while maintaining the pure, relay-based gameplay that many enthusiasts consider the golden age of pinball. The game's relative simplicity compared to later solid-state machines has made it a sought-after collector's item, particularly among those who appreciate the craftsmanship of the electro-mechanical era.

While production numbers aren't definitively known, Liberty was produced in moderate quantities typical of Gottlieb's mid-1970s releases. The machine's patriotic theme and timing made it a popular choice for arcade operators during America's bicentennial celebrations, and surviving examples are now considered valuable pieces of both pinball and American cultural history.