Nishijin Models
Nishijin has been making Pachinko machines for a very long time. Often there are words on the front of the machines such as "Nishijin Super DX" and "Nishijin Super Deluxe." On the back, the word "Sophia" may be imprinted in the plastic or on a sticker. Unfortunately these aren't very good at helping to identify the machine as they have been used interchangeably for over 40 years.
We have grouped the various Nishijin Pachinko machines into three groups or models that we refer to simply as Nishijin A, Nishijin B and Nishijin C. There are significant differences in the mechanical functions of these three models. There are often minor differences within a model as Nishijin would improve and tweak the design over the years.
Nishijin Pachinko Machine - Model A
Nishijin A is the oldest of the models. It can be most easily identified by the two trays in the back of the machine. These models are often referred to as "recyclers" because balls that don't go into a win pocket will go into the lower tray instead of falling into a bucket at the bottom of the machine. Also the jackpot seesaw is below and to the right of the lower tray and can be seen through a window on the front of the machine.
Nishijin Pachinko Machine - Model B
Nishijin B models came next. These are the most popular Nishijin Pachinko machines we see on eBay. They were made up until the late 70s. They have one tray on the back at the top and have a jackpot assembly in the center of the machine. The colors of the plastics on the back were usually brown, clear, black, blue or some combination of two of these.
Nishijin Pachinko Machine - Model C
Nishijin C models are the newest, and last of Nishijin's vintage Pachinko machines. They came out in the late 70s. You don't see too many of them because a few years later, they were replaced with modern electronic Pachinko machines with the auto-fire knobs instead of flippers. The Nishijin C models have one tray on the back at the top and a seesaw jackpot assembly just below the tray. The colors of the plastics on the back have been clear and dark green on all machines we have seen so far.