Plastic backglass

[agonia]

Good morning. I wanted to ask you a curiosity, apologizing in advance if I use the translator.
Given that I like pre-1970 Pinball machines, I bought a couple, maybe I'll buy more.
I like them because I have memories, and also because -in my opinion- they are better in quality than those that immediately followed.
That generation of Pinball machines with small pinball machines conveys a greater perception of quality than those that came immediately after. Both in terms of the beauty and grace of the drawings, and also in the whole complex.
I currently own a 1961 Gottlieb Egg Head, and a 1967 Chicago Coins Beatniks. Both have the perfect backglass, not peeling, but plastic.
What I wanted to ask you is this: is this component original or has it been replaced?
I find it strange that a pinball machine from that era was made with plastic backglass, especially the one from 1961

 

[kev a]

My 1963 swing time had a plastic backglass, like yours it was 100% perfect, the guy I got it from said it had been in his dads garage for nearly 40 years, so well before reproductions became a thing. I'm certain it was original.

 

[agonia]

Io ero rimasto colpito da un Egg Head esposto in un bar nella mia regione (abito a Valdobbiadene, non lontano da Venezia). Tra l'altro -sbagliando- hanno scritto che è del 1972.
Loro non lo vendono, e appena ne ho visto uno in vendita lo ho comprato subito. Pagato non molto, 1350 euro, circa 1400 dollari, è in ottime condizioni. Tra qualche giorno andrò a vedere questo flipper esposto al bar se ha il backglass di vetro, ma a questo punto penso che lo facessero proprio di plastica

 

[Gary Flower]

Export games from Gottlieb often had plastic backflashes. Especially addabslls to Italy. Less likely to break in transit

 

[Pop Bumper Pete]

my 1964 Williams Heat Wave has a plastic backglass
I thought it was something to do with shipping. Remember container shipping was in its infancy in the 60's, only coming widespread in the 70's