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 11:47:47 PM by Jess Askey

Older Gottlieb games have their serial numbers stamped/etched into the wood on the front of the machine. These can often be hard to read as some have been either damaged or painted over. On woodrails or pre 1960 games, check under the backglass, imprinted in the wood. The serial number may also be imprinted in the wood on the front of the cabinet. On my 1973 Big Indian game, the serial number is on the playfield on a Sticker attached to the top arch. However, there is also a serial number for the backbox (this may not be the same as the playfield number) which is stamped into the wood on the top of the backbox. If you have different serial numbers on the playfield and backbox, please remember to register both.
Posted 9/1/2008 6:15:37 AM by David Van Balen
The serial number of my 1975 Super Soccer was found etched in the wood just behind the coin box.
Posted 10/3/2008 8:22:03 PM by Mal Voisin
My Wild Life had the number stamped in ink, in the pedestal for the head
Posted 10/26/2008 6:00:22 PM by Johnny Booth
My 1950 Double Feature has it's serial number is stamped onto the wooden front part of the machine. Just below the inspection panel.
Posted 1/20/2009 6:11:42 AM by Andreas Klein, GERMANY
The Serial Number of my 1973 Hot Shot is listet just behind the coin Box on the small top of the wood (that "stops" the coin Box). Its painted in black.
Posted 3/14/2009 12:58:03 PM by Larry Gillam
My 1973 Big Shot has the serial number stamped into the wood just below the coin return opening. Same color as cabinet.
Posted 3/27/2009 12:00:03 AM by King of Pinball
On 1933 Big Broadcast (Junior) Machines the serial number is stamped into the wood just below and to the right of the coin drawer. The 4 digit number is about 3/8" high.
Posted 11/6/2009 2:05:05 PM by Byrdie
My 1977 Jacks Open pretty much matches all the tips above. The serial number appears in three places:

1) It is stamped into the front of the cabinet at the upper left, just under the chrome playfield glass retainer;

2) It is stenciled onto the support bar inside the cabinet just behind the coinbox; and

3) It is stenciled onto the top of the backbox.

Some modifications were made to the appearance of this game by a previous owner (it is currently in the process of being restored) so there isn't but I believe there should've been a certificate sticker on the top arch.
Posted 1/24/2010 9:04:23 PM by Mike Gonciarz
My 1966 Hurdy Gurdy has the serial number stamped in the front of the wood and on the Certificate on the top of the playing field.
Posted 3/13/2010 3:05:25 PM by gordon driscoll
my kings and queens number is on front and top of score box
Posted 6/13/2010 10:54:50 PM by jady swinkels
My Surf Champ has the number stamped on the front left hand side just under the lock bar and a second serial number is rubber stamped on top of the backbox which alot bigger in size.
Posted 1/12/2013 12:14:12 PM by Todd Anderson
03186 Etched on wood in front panel below coin device plate
Posted 6/18/2016 10:42:30 PM by B Holland
My Pinball Queen SN is on a label in the upper left hand of the playfield
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