Artmink

Shared Report

Share:

LinkedIn icon facebook icon X (formerly Twitter) icon
Gottlieb 'Rack-A-Ball' Pinball Machine

Thomas : Americana and Folk Art

Thomas Presents
Thomas visual aid image
Gottlieb 'Rack-A-Ball' Pinball Machine
Original Presentation Script

Step right up and take a look at this classic slice of Americana: a vintage Gottlieb 'Rack-A-Ball' pinball machine. With its vibrant billiards theme, this machine captures the fun and social atmosphere of early 1960s arcades and bowling alleys. Manufactured in 1962 by D. Gottlieb & Co., a legendary name in the pinball industry, this electro-mechanical marvel represents the golden age of pinball design. The artwork, typical of the era, features lively characters engaged in a game of pool, perfectly complementing the mechanical action on the playfield. Constructed with a sturdy wooden cabinet, glass playfield cover, and a complex array of metal and plastic internal components, this machine was built to withstand enthusiastic play. You can see the classic Gottlieb flippers, pop bumpers, and scoring targets that defined the gameplay of the period. Condition is always key with vintage arcade games. This example shows honest wear—scuffs on the painted cabinet and some typical aging on the playfield and backglass. Notably, there's a handwritten note stating 'Lights on not working,' which tells us it needs some electrical TLC to get it fully operational again. This is very common for electro-mechanical games of this age and is usually a straightforward fix for a restorer. Given its iconic status and current condition requiring some work, I'd place its auction estimate between $800 and $1,500. It's a fantastic restoration project for a collector looking to bring a piece of arcade history back to life. Who's ready to rack 'em up?

Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.

Item Report

Gottlieb 'Rack-A-Ball' Pinball Machine

By: D. Gottlieb & Co.

Style: Electro-Mechanical Pinball Machine

Origin: United States

Materials: Wood, glass, metal, plastic, electrical components

Age: 1962

Condition: Fair to Good (Cosmetic wear typical of age; note indicates electrical issues 'Lights on not working')

Value: $800 - $1,500

Peer-Reviewed Market Values

Dating Range
Pending structured dating
Auction Liquidation
Pending structured market values
Fair Market Value
Pending structured market values
Replacement Value
Pending structured market values
Comparables Used
1 comparable
Research Confidence
Not Run

Maker's Marks / Writing: 'Gottlieb's RACK-A-BALL', 'D. Gottlieb & Co.', 'Lights on not working' (handwritten note)

Date: 2026-08-25 12:58:01.017833

Description:

A vintage electro-mechanical pinball machine manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1962. The game features a billiards/pool theme with colorful backglass and playfield artwork depicting people playing pool. It includes classic pinball elements such as flippers, pop bumpers, and targets. The cabinet is painted white with green and orange geometric designs.

Assessment:

This is a classic example of a 1960s Gottlieb electro-mechanical pinball machine. The 'Rack-A-Ball' title is well-known among collectors. The machine appears to be in fair to good cosmetic condition for its age, with typical wear on the cabinet and playfield. The note indicating 'Lights on not working' suggests it requires some electrical troubleshooting or restoration to be fully functional, which impacts its current value. Fully restored examples can command higher prices.

Individual Images:

  • whole pinball machine front view
  • overhead view of playfield
  • detail of backglass artwork
  • side view of cabinet showing paint wear
  • back of pinball machine

Provenance:

None provided

Condition:

Fair to Good (Cosmetic wear typical of age; note indicates electrical issues 'Lights on not working')

Identification Score: 100%

The item is clearly identifiable by the manufacturer's name (Gottlieb) and the game title ('Rack-A-Ball') prominently displayed on the backglass and playfield.

Authenticity Score: 100%

The machine exhibits all the standard characteristics of an original Gottlieb production from that era, including the specific cabinet style, artwork, and mechanical components. There are no signs of it being a reproduction.

Image Memory Note

None     None

Keywords

Gottlieb, Rack-A-Ball, Pinball Machine, Electro-Mechanical, Vintage Arcade, 1962, Billiards Theme, United States

The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
Report ID:  : 5va3z4

Comparables (Similar Items)

Bally Wizard Pinball Machine with Tommy
Bally Wizard Pinball Machine with Tommy
liveauctioneers.com
Sold $975 + 12% BP
USA · 1970s · Wood, Metal, Plastic
A classic Bally Pinball Wizard pinball machine, known for its engaging gameplay and vibrant artwork.
View source record
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/47705014_bally-pinball-wizard-pinball-machine-minneapolis-mn