Snooks

Snooks was a pinball machine released by Chicago Coin during the early 1940s, representing a typical example of the pre-war electro-mechanical pinball era. The machine emerged during a pivotal time in pinball history when manufacturers were working to establish pinball as a legitimate form of entertainment, amid growing concerns about gambling aspects of these games in various American cities.

The gameplay of Snooks featured a relatively simple but engaging layout typical of its era, with scoring holes, bumpers, and kickers. Like other machines of this period, it relied purely on mechanical components and electrical switches to operate, without any electronic displays or sophisticated sound systems. The playfield likely featured artwork that reflected the popular aesthetic styles of the early 1940s.

As was common for pinball machines of this era, Snooks would have been manufactured in relatively limited numbers compared to later periods. The outbreak of World War II shortly after its release would have impacted its production and distribution, as many manufacturers converted their facilities to support the war effort. While not considered one of the most influential machines of its time, Snooks represents an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the mechanical innovation and artistic design principles of pre-war American amusement devices.