Pinballs are classic Americana.

Do you know the precise pressure to put on the flipper to make that silver ball do exactly what you want? Do you instinctively know the difference between a Bally's machine and one built by Midway? Can you tell when someone has earned a free ball by sound alone? If so, you're a pinball wizard. If not, you should consider learning more about the exciting world of vintage pinball machines, those stylish mechanical games that filled pool halls and arcades long before the era of Space Invaders and Asteroids.

Jack Guarnieri has been involved in every aspect of the coin operated amusement industry since 1975. In 1999 he founded PinballSales.com to sell commercial games to the home market. He personally attends to the business on a daily basis and makes the decisions that insure customer satisfaction. Her he offers a basic guide to buying a vintage pinball machine:

• American classics.
  Pinball machines are a truly American invention. They started out as Bagatelle, which were little games that had marbles and pins. Over the years they evolved into complex modern machines with relays, motors, flashing lights and digital readouts.
  
• Many collectors specialize.
  Many pinball collectors specialize in certain types of games, perhaps choosing models from their favorite game designer or manufacturer. Others stick to a theme, like space games or TV and movie tie-ins. Still others choose a pinball game because they love the mechanical action of the table.
  
• Look for obvious damage and subtle wear.
  If you're in the market to buy, examine an old pinball machine like you would a used car. Look for obvious cosmetic damage to the cabinet and glass. Open it up and check the insides for dirt, rust, burns, and frayed wires. Look for worn rubber and broken plastic pieces on the game table.
  
• Play before you buy.
  Don't forget to play a few games to check out the action and make sure all lights, bells, flippers, bumpers and scoring numbers are working properly. If the game feels too slow, or if the sound or lights don't seem right, don't buy it.
  
• Prices vary widely.
  Expect to pay a few hundred bucks for a basic working pinball machine, and several thousand for the most desired or collectible games.

For more about Pinball Machines, check out the following websites:

PinballSales.com
www.pinballsales.com

The Internet Pinball Database
www.ipdb.org

Pinball Arcade Preservation Society
www.visi.com

The World Pinball Directory
www.daveland.com

Pinball Owners Association
ds.dial.pipex.com