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Atari Pinball Middle Earth Poster, framed
€550
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About this seller
Private sellerProduct description
This piece is the original upper light panel, also called Translite or Backglass, of the "Middle Earth" pinball machine manufactured by ATARI (Inc., 1977). These graphic panels were located in the illuminated upper part – the head area – of the machines and created the thematic imagery of the respective game. What is special about this Translite is that it shows one of the most characteristic Atari graphics of this era: a powerful scene with fantasy motifs in bright neon green, red, and blue tones.
Atari pinball machines differ from the usual in both design and style. The front panels of their pinball machines show the entire graphic, thus forming a unified image, so that the display appears before us without cutouts. An aesthetic and colorful front panel that can be a magnificent accessory in any interior. Since very few copies of the "Middle Earth" pinball machine have survived, the Translite model itself is 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 also made an appearance outside the world of video games.
The iconic Atari logo and the inscription "© Atari Inc. 1977" are clearly legible in the lower right corner, which characterizes the original specimens from this period.
Developer / Manufacturer
ATARI Inc. (USA), one of the most important companies in the gaming industry of the 70s, 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.
Period of creation
1977 (Original, contemporary production – the marking can be seen on the panel.)
Style
Classic 1970s arcade graphics
Pop cultural fantasy illustration
Vibrant, high-contrast coloring
Stylized, dynamic figure composition
Strong neon effect, retro game design aesthetic
Material
Original Translite panel (printed, translucent plastic)
With metal edge and contemporary framing
Manufactured for installation in a pinball machine (illuminable back panel)
Features
Original Atari production, 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 small number of 210 pieces were produced, according to Pinseide.com.
Condition
Excellent collector's condition
No cracks on the panel
The colors are vibrant
The inscriptions are clearly legible. It is dated with © ATARI, INC. 1977.
From a non-smoking, pet-free household.
Specifications
CategoryWall lightsConditionExcellentColorsMulti Color, SilverMaterialPaper, MetalNumber of items1StyleVintage, RetroHeight68 cmWidth76 cmDepth8 cmSeller locationBudapest, HungaryDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBudapest, HungaryOn Whoppah since January 2024 • 2 sales