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 1/21/2007 12:28:18 AM by Jess Askey
On my 1964 San Francisco game, the only place I could find a serial number was on the upper left of the playfield arch on a sticker (Like Gottlieb's from the 70's). I looked over my backbox and cabinet and couldn't find anything stamped in the wood anywhere. Anyone else know if the serial can be found anywhere besides the PF sticker?
Posted 3/27/2009 1:12:59 AM by King of Pinball
There are small 2 1/2" by 1 3/8" cards inside the machine labeled CABINETS No. xxxxx or INSPECTION No. xxxxx. The number should be consist of 5 numbers, no letters.
Posted 8/3/2009 1:45:20 PM by Jean Meyer
My Serial number was impressed into the machine itself, on the left side next to the door, it is the same number as listed on the inspection tag
Posted 8/24/2012 9:57:26 PM by Shawn Farwell
Found mine stamped on the cabinet end with the coin door just below and to the right of center.
Posted 1/21/2013 12:33:47 PM by Darrell Meldrum
44969 SN was on a paper tag left hand top of playing field
Posted 9/1/2013 1:04:03 AM by brekat
Found inside backbox on card under text marked "LITE BOX"
Posted 11/8/2016 12:40:55 PM by Rod McLarge
On the Williams Heat Wave I repainted, I was able to find the serial number stamped into the wood--hidden beneath the coin door frame in the bottom left hand corner, and under the metal ball serve guide on the inside of the cabinet. Hardware would have to be removed to see these serial number stampings.
Posted 6/1/2017 7:44:39 AM by crunchtastic
San Francisco, Williams, 1964: I found it embossed into the wood to the right of the coin door, as well as on paper tags stapled inside. The original Williams label in the upper left corner is also intact but the number was written in pencil and very faded.
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