Skipper

Skipper, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1965, exemplifies the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines during the mid-1960s. This nautically-themed game captured the popular maritime leisure culture of the era, when boating and sailing were becoming increasingly accessible recreational activities for middle-class Americans.

The machine featured classic nautical artwork with boats, water scenes, and maritime elements that resonated with the public's growing interest in waterfront activities. Like most Gottlieb games of this period, Skipper utilized the company's signature mechanical components, including metal scoring wheels, electromagnetic scoring units, and the distinctive chime sounds that characterized games of this era.

From a gameplay perspective, Skipper offered a traditional single-player format with standard flipper configuration and various scoring features typical of mid-1960s pinball designs. The playfield likely included multiple bumpers, drop targets, and possibly a spinning target feature, though specific details of the game's layout are not extensively documented. The machine would have employed Gottlieb's reliable electro-mechanical scoring system, which was considered industry standard for its time.

While not one of Gottlieb's most famous titles, Skipper represents an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the company's commitment to quality manufacturing and thematic consistency during the electro-mechanical era. Production numbers are not definitively known, but like many Gottlieb games of this period, it was likely manufactured in quantities of several thousand units.