Hello everyone, I've recently sent out my Whirlwind for a playfield swap, and both myself and the gentleman performing the swap noticed these interesting sharpied on date markings on the edges of the playfield that are oddly specific. If you note the date, they're done about a month prior to the "official" date stamp.

I understand that Pat Lawlor was pushing for an automotive clear coat to be used at the factory around that time, but it's very obvious that my particular playfield doesn't have a very good clear coat, and as far as I can tell, it never had mylar installed on it either. I don't have the cabinet around to verify serial numbers, but I do believe the game is an early example, as it has the Cubs logo covered by a sticker on the boy's hat.

Perhaps someone could help shed some light on this? We're both very curious.

Thanks!

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Right, but this game definitely doesn’t have diamond plate. Heck, it doesn’t even look like it ever had a lacquer coating!

Thanks, I would be most curious of your serial number. Once I have access to mine, it’d be interesting to cross reference them. Do you have any markings on the edge of your playfield similar to mine?