C.O.C.A. Times

visible in Photo "D." "Khyber
Pass" is a battery-powered game.
When you made a winning shot
into either side of the "V" galley,
the ball depressed a lever that
completed an electrical circuit.
This turned on an interior light
bulb that illuminated the center of
the playfield. At this surprising
moment, the player saw the name
"Khyber Pass" together with the _..., _ _ _
lighted river running through the
mountains framed by a giant "V" for
Victory! (Photo "E".) In glorious
fashion, Oliver Whales crafted a
plea to his fellow countrymen to
recall the challenges of the past
and remain steadfast in the belief
that victory over Germany would
ultimately be theirs.
Did Oliver Whales intend for "Khyber Pass" to be this
subliminal call to arms? I certainly think so. Allwins
with internal batteries are quite rare and those from WW
II even rarer. The only other game from this era with
a battery of which I am aware is "Allies Victory Ball"
which sounded an "all clear" siren when a winning shot
was made. According to the rest of the internal data
inked on the game, "Khyber Pass" was number 9 of
only 16 copies made of this triumphant game. Like
the odds on winning the war itself, the numbers were
small but as history demonstrated, victory goes to those
who keep the faith and maintain control of Khyber
Pass. What Oliver Whales created was a unique game
both in terms of visual symbolism and mechanical
design. Taken together, they form an eloquent plea
to their countrymen, a rallying cry equivalent to our
"Remember the Alamo!"
There are those who will argue that these games
we love are merely examples of form over substance.
By that, they mean that the form (a machine) is the
expression of all that is offered, sort of a "what you
see is what you get" analysis. I would argue just the
opposite. These games are much more. They are a
reflection of society and our concerns at a specific point
in time. As proof, I offer you Oliver Whales and his
beautiful "Khyber Pass."
Think I'm a little nuts here? Well , it's your turn now,
Professor. What do you think, Dr. Freud?
Postlude: How about you? Want to make a pass at my
Khyber analysis or just talk about these fabulous British
games ? You can drop me a line at jp4@charter.net or call 952
891-2312. Next time, we 'll look at an early sports game with
a moral of its own.
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