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Antique Inlay Billiard Table with 4-Piece Slate Bed

4/4/2022 4:37:30 PM

Antique Inlay Billiard Table with 4-Piece Slate Bed

I just picked up this antique billiard table that has some beautiful inlay on the cabinet and legs, as well as a 4-piece slate table top.

Unfortunately, it is missing the name plate. Each piece has matching stamped numbers but other than that, there are no other identifying marks that I can find.

The place for the missing nameplate does seem to be very similar to the size and shape of another old Brunswick pool table I have. I was assuming that it is a Brunswick pool table from the late 1890s.

One interesting difference I see is the on the inside frame of the pool table where the legs connect to the pool table table body. Instead of a visible rod with bolt, it appears to be finished with trim pieces to cover the fasteners.

Any help identifying this antique pool table and specific model would be greatly appreciated!

Antique Inlay Billiard Table with 4-Piece Slate Bed

Replies & Comments

billiardsforum on 4/7/2022 5:00:51 AM
You have an 1880s J.M. Brunswick and Balke Co. "Eclipse" pool table.

They were made from 1870 to 1883-ish. Yours is from the later end of that period based on the marquetry and inlay patterns. The older ones had a slightly different pattern.

I am not familiar with that style of trim/finish on the inside where the legs mount.

Yours appears to be without the ornamental trim pieces under the main aprons. Those also changed style slightly over the years this model was made, and it's possible that a customer ordered one without them.

Here are the catalog photos in reverse-chronological order. Yours is a later model, and looks the most like this first one from 1882-1883:

This is from the 1882-1883 J.M. Brunswick and Balke Co. catalog:

This one is from the 1879 J. M. Brunswick & Balke Co. Illustrated Catalogue and Price List

Note the different inlay design.

This one is from the 1875 J. M. Brunswick & Balke Co Illustrated Price List.

Note again the different inlay design.

Here is the technical information on the Brunswick Eclipse pool table from page 5 of the 1882 J. M. Brunswick and Balke Co. illustrated price list:
J.M. Brunswick "Eclipse" Pool Table
- Slate: Vermont Slate
- Year of ManufactureFrom 1870 To 1882
- Sizes available:
  - 7 Foot (38" x 76" Playfield)
  - 8 Home (44" x 88" Playfield)
  - 9 Pro (50" x 100" Playfield)
A more compact, strong, convenient or desirable small carom or pool table, which is low priced and at the same time perfect in construction, is not made.

Fitted with Monarch Cushions, instead of the thin, worthless rubber strips, or heavy with an inferior compound, used by most manufacturers on small tables, we give a 4x8, 4 1/2 x 9 first class table with a new an complete high priced outfit. We improve and vary the designs and ornamental inlaying as found practical, and the fact that hundreds of rooms are supplied with the Eclipse is evidence that the table, although small, is a big favorite.

The sizes of these tables make them desirable for small rooms. A space 14 x 17 1/2 feet is large enough for the 4x8 size and allows the use of full length cues. They can be made up in 3 1/2 x 7 if desired.

We ornament and inlay the Eclipse with veneers of Bird's-eye maple, French Walnut, California Laurel, Mahogany, Burl Ash or Rosewood.

Available in 7', 8' and 9' sizes, in pool, carom or combination tables.

Pricing for the Eclipse model shown in this price list is as follows:
- 8' pool: $250. 8' carom: $225.
- 8' combination: $300.
- 9' pool: $275. 9' carom: $250.
- 9' combination: $325.
- 7' prices available on request.
It's a beautiful antique pool table. Thanks for sharing the photos!

j4gage on 4/7/2022 6:21:08 AM
Thank you so much for the response and detailed information!

I cant wait to do some restoration work to bring out the detailed inlay work and get some new cloth back on the table and start playing for many more years to come.

billiardsforum on 4/8/2022 1:31:14 AM
You're most welcome! Hopefully you'll update us here with the "after" pictures!

Antique Inlay Billiard Table with 4-Piece Slate Bed

Title: Antique Inlay Billiard Table with 4-Piece Slate Bed
Author: j4gage
Published: 4/4/2022 4:37:30 PM
Last Updated: 4/7/2022 4:13:59 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)