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.

Games: 6,696  Serials: 68,298  Visitors: 74,153,236  Members: 5,619  Photos: 43,827  Lat/Lng: 37,400  Masks: 68,298(1,019.98%)  Traits: 572  Nudges: 222,342  Backglasses: 1,865
  Most Serials: Twilight Zone(1,305)  Most Submissions: Dennis Braun(6,100)  Most Points: Dennis Braun(45,409)  Highest Quality: The Knight(17.00)  Most Nudges: pinballservice-nl(28,209)

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 11:45:45 PM by Bill Ung

Their serial numbers appear on the back of the cabinet; not very accessible. The upshot is, there is also a manufacturing date on a separate sticker back there. The only other place I know it is listed is inside the coin door on the inner wall; also not very accessible. Except, of course, at auctions.

Posted 4/21/2009 12:01:12 AM by King of Pinball
Some machines also have an "Inspected By:" date on a sticker attached to the coin mechanism. This date may be earlier than the manufacturing date on the sticker attached to the back of the cabinet.
Posted 4/28/2011 7:28:37 AM by Rob Dean
I found the serial under the playfield on the right hand side of the cabinet, about halfway along. Reachable with a camera in hand rather than taking the glass out and lifting up.
Posted 9/25/2011 4:08:07 AM by Soren Mehl Knudsen
I forund the serial sticker on my machine on the LEFT side of the body apprx. 30-40 cm inside. As already stated by others it is not very accessible by you can get a photo of it through the coin door.