Queen of Diamonds

The 'Queen of Diamonds' pinball machine, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in the late 1960s, emerged during a pivotal era in pinball history when card-themed games were particularly popular. This electro-mechanical masterpiece capitalized on the enduring appeal of playing card imagery and casino themes that resonated strongly with arcade audiences of the period.

The machine's design featured elegant artwork centered around a regal queen figure and playing card motifs, particularly emphasizing diamond suits throughout the playfield. As was typical of electro-mechanical games of this era, it utilized relay-based scoring mechanisms and featured the characteristic sounds of chimes and bells that defined the golden age of mechanical pinball. The playfield likely included standard features of the period such as pop bumpers, kickout holes, and drop targets, though arranged in unique configurations to support its card-based theme.

While not as widely recognized as some other Gottlieb titles of the era, 'Queen of Diamonds' represented the company's commitment to producing quality games during a highly competitive period in pinball manufacturing. The late 1960s marked the final years of the electro-mechanical era, making this machine a notable example of classic pinball engineering before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics in the late 1970s.