Pinball Backglass Middle Earth as Wall Lamp from Atari Inc., 1977

Details

Description

This piece is the original upper light panel—also known as a “translite” or “backglass”—from the “middle earth” pinball machine manufactured … Read more This piece is the original upper light panel—also known as a “translite” or “backglass”—from the “middle earth” pinball machine manufactured by atari (inc., 1977). These graphic panels were located in the illuminated upper section—the header—of the machines and created the thematic visual world of each game. What makes this translite special is that it features one of the most iconic atari graphics of that era: a dynamic scene with fantasy motifs in vibrant neon shades of green, red, and blue.

atari pinball machines differ from the norm in both design and style. The front panels of their pinball machines display the entire graphic, creating a unified image so that the display appears before us without any cutouts. An aesthetically pleasing and colorful front panel that can serve as a magnificent accessory in any interior. Since very few examples of the “middle earth” pinball machine have survived, the translite model is in itself a coveted collector’s item with decorative value and great significance for the history of arcades. “middle earth” was atari’s second pinball machine, with which the company made its mark outside the world of video games.

in the lower right corner, the iconic atari logo and the inscription “© atari inc. 1977” are clearly legible, a hallmark of original units from that era.

developer / manufacturer
atari inc. (usa), one of the most influential companies in the gaming industry of the 1970s, which fundamentally shaped the history of arcade and video game technology.
the designer of the “atari middle earth” pinball machine (1978) was gary slater, while george opperman was responsible for the visual design.

year of release
1977 (original, contemporary production—the marking is visible on the faceplate.)


style
classic 1970s arcade graphics
pop-culture fantasy illustration
vibrant, high-contrast color scheme
stylized, dynamic character composition
strong neon effect, retro game design aesthetic

material
original translite panel (printed, translucent plastic)
with metal border and period framing
manufactured for installation in a pinball machine (illuminated back panel)

features
original atari manufacture, marked and dated
rare, decorative, large-format panel
highly sought after by collectors
extremely spectacular when hung on the wall and illuminated
complete, undamaged graphic surface
authentic metal frame
only a very limited number—210 pieces—were produced, according to pinseide.com.

condition
excellent collector’s condition
no cracks on the panel
the colors are vibrant
the lettering is clearly legible this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution,
european plug (up to 250v).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less