You don't see Coat'n'Hat stands in abundance like that anymore, that's GREAT !! !!

Speaking of early pins, were flippers ever mechanical? (button attached directly to flipper with linkages etc) before electronics/coils came along?

MM.

The flipper was invented in 1947 by Harry Mabs who at the time worked for Gottlieb. The main difference from later games was that one coil would drive upto 3 flippers, which made them weak. The other main difference was the flippers were 'reverse' to what we know today, that is the 'pointy' end was facing outwards. Other differences were the flippers were smaller in size at 2" rather than 3". Another difference was on all manufactures except for Gottlieb if you pressed the left flipper button both left and right flippers would energise.