1974 Gottlieb Big Indian
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1974
Players : 4
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : American West - Native Americans
Production : 8,030 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Big Indian (1974) is a highly regarded 4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine featuring a classic Western theme and fast, skill-based gameplay. Designed by Ed Krynski, it shares its layout with Big Brave but allows for multiplayer action, making it a popular choice for collectors and home game rooms.
Game Features
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4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Western-themed artwork and backglass
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5-bank drop target system (primary scoring feature)
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Vari-target with variable scoring based on shot strength
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A-B-C rollover lanes to build bonus and features
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End-of-ball bonus system up to 15,000 points
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Double bonus feature on the final ball
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“Special” can be lit for replay/free game
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Two flippers with classic EM layout
Overview
Big Indian delivers a fast-paced, skill-driven EM experience centered around precision shooting and shot control. The 5-bank drop targets are the core objective, rewarding players who can consistently clear the bank and reset it for points.
The vari-target adds depth by allowing players to control scoring based on shot strength, while the A-B-C rollover sequence builds toward higher-value bonuses and special awards. As the 4-player version of Big Brave, it offers the same engaging gameplay with the added fun of competitive multiplayer.
With its classic 1970s artwork, balanced rule set, and proven layout, Big Indian remains a standout title from Gottlieb’s electro-mechanical era and a favorite among collectors.
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View Restoration Details Playfield (Top Side) • Fully disassembled, cleaned, waxed, and conditioned • New rubbers, lane guides, posts, bulbs, and pinball • New flipper bats • Standup switches and rollover switches polished and adjusted • Plastics cleaned and conditioned Playfield (Underside) • Complete flipper rebuilds (coils, stops, switches, links, springs) • Pop bumper assemblies rebuilt • All relays cleaned, filed, and properly adjusted • Stepper units fully disassembled, cleaned, and calibrated Cabinet & Bottom Board • New power cord and fuse holders • Bottom board fully disassembled and cleaned • Relays, step units, and score motor serviced and adjusted • Jones plugs cleaned for solid connections • Cabinet cleaned inside and out Backbox / Head • Scoring reels disassembled, cleaned, and properly adjusted • Stepper units and relays serviced • New bulbs installed Additional Work • Weak or burned coils replaced as needed • Coin door fully disassembled, cleaned, and polished with new coin entry plates • Chime box cleaned, polished, and rebuilt • Shooter assembly polished with new springs installed • Metal trim, side rails, and legs polished • New locks, bolts, and leg levelers/castors installed • New sheet of playfield glass installed • New bulbs installed throughout entire game Warranty ✔ 1-Year Warranty (local sales) ✔ One service visit included within first year (includes playfield waxing, rubber replacement if needed, and full function check)