Ring the bell of freedom — Williams’ 1977 Liberty Bell is an electromechanical two-player wrapped in a patriotic theme of American history, arriving right around the nation’s bicentennial fervor, designed by the legendary Steve Kordek with art by the great Christian Marche. With reel scoring and a confirmed run of 3,000, it’s a handsome late-EM machine from one of the true titans of pinball design.
The layout is a clean, engaging spread with a genuinely unique feature: two flippers, two pop bumpers, a pair of slingshots, four drop targets, three kick-out holes, twin spinning targets, and — the distinctive touch — an upper-left lane with an unusual tilt rollover, all crowned by an end-of-ball bonus. Those two spinning targets offer satisfying, high-value shots for a scoring-minded player, while the four drops and three kick-out holes give a clear set of objectives to work through. The end-of-ball bonus is the strategic heart of the game, rewarding a player who builds up value across the playfield before the ball drains.
Liberty Bell is a fine example of Steve Kordek’s design craft and Williams’ late-’70s sensibility, pairing a proud, patriotic theme with a satisfying, spinner-driven playfield. Kordek was a genuine legend whose career helped shape the entire modern game, and playing one of his creations connects you to that deep history. The American-history theme suited the bicentennial mood of its moment perfectly. For the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball and its foundational figures, it’s a rewarding find. Work those twin spinners, clear the drops, and build your bonus. Some machines are treasured for their maker as much as their play, and this Kordek gem rings out proudly. Let freedom ring, and drop a coin.