1946 Exhibit Fiesta
Manufacturer : Exhibit
Year : 1946
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Celebration - Dancing - Festivities - Music
Production : unknown units
Status : Sold
Fiesta (1946), produced by Exhibit Supply Company, is a single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine from the immediate post–World War II era. Built before flippers were introduced (1947), it represents the classic “pre-flipper” or “woodrail” style of pinball, where gameplay relied more on plunge skill, ball trajectory, and nudging rather than direct control. It reflects a transitional period in pinball design, using simple mechanics and backglass scoring.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) machine
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Released in 1946
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Manufactured by Exhibit Supply Company
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Pre-flipper (no flippers) design
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Passive (non-pop) mushroom-style bumpers
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Backglass light-based scoring display (no score reels)
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Numbered scoring pockets / out-holes
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Woodrail cabinet typical of the era
Overview
Fiesta is a true early-era pinball experience where control is limited and strategy revolves around the initial plunge and subtle nudging. Without flippers, players aim to guide the ball into scoring pockets that correspond to values shown on the backglass.
The playfield likely features passive bumpers that deflect the ball unpredictably, adding a strong element of chance compared to later EM machines. Scoring is handled through illuminated backglass indicators rather than mechanical reels, reinforcing its vintage design.
This style of game is less about precision shooting and more about understanding ball behavior and timing nudges. As a pre-flipper machine, Fiesta is more of a historical and collectible piece than a modern-style player’s game—offering a look into the roots of pinball before skill-based control became the standard.
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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)