The Internet Pinball Serial Number Database or IPSND collects serial numbers of pinball machines and publishes a database of these on the Internet. Our goal is to make available a registration of all pinball machines in existence and allow tools for slicing, dicing and visualization of the data.
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Locating Serial Numbers on a Pinball Machine:

Finding serial numbers on a game can sometimes be quite challenging. They are commonly hidden, painted over, destroyed or just in non-obvious places. The main difficulty is that manufacturers put their serial numbers in a variety of places in and out of the game and then they often changed the location of the serial number as time went on. Several manufacturers used a consistent numbering system for many years and others changed their formats often. In addition, there are frequently numbers on a game that might not be the serial number at all, it could be a part number, an inspector number or something that has no connection to the actual serial number at all.

This page is a reference on how to locate serial numbers for all manufacturers in the database. The nice part is that you can add your own tips and suggestions for other people to read as well. I have added initial comments on the information that I have from Bill Ung out of the original Internet Pinball Project (now defunct). Feel free to submit new information on serial number locations specific to each manufacturer and appropriate time period.



(Please do not post serial numbers here, please use the Search Page, to find your specific game)
Posted 1/11/2007 11:50:39 PM by Bill Ung

Serial numbers usually written in crayon/pencil on the inside of the front door.
Posted 10/24/2007 12:35:37 AM by Jess Askey
On the 1949 game Show Boat, the serial number is clearly identified on a paper label inside the backbox near the coin counter. The paper has the game name and serial number on it.
Posted 7/18/2009 1:59:20 PM by tony johnson
I had the crayon behind the coin door and a label in the rear backplane
Posted 3/31/2012 7:46:59 AM by Sean Kavanagh
I've found three places United attached a tag to games in the late 40s... I have several games that fit this category and they all have these labels. - bottom of cabinet along support plank that the back of the coinbox sits against - Somewhere on the insert board in the lite box depending on where the open space is on that title - Underside of PF near the top of the board, or the bottom if you have it tilted up and leaning against the head
Posted 8/12/2017 7:03:27 PM by Chuck Rankin
I have two United bingo machines, and both have the pre-printed tags in two places. The first tag is inside the head, on the side where the door is attached, near the top. The second tag is by the ball lifter motor, and is easier to see when the play field is raised.
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