Antique Pool Table Identification - 1892-1903 Patents

12/29/2021 8:59:48 PM

Antique Pool Table Identification - 1892-1903 Patents

Hi! I need some help with identifying my grandfather’s vintage antique pool table.

I just discovered it in my parents garage!

It has a listing of patents under which it was built, which date from between 1892 and 1903.

Any ideas?

Rockrhino

Antique Pool Table Identification - 1892-1903 Patents

Replies & Comments

billiardsforum on 12/30/2021 12:42:42 PM
Thank you so much for sharing these photos of your Grandfather's antique pool table.

From what I can see, it appears to be from Brunswick Balke-Collender Company, which are still around today (as just "Brunswick Billiards").

This model was manufactured between 1890 and 1911. Yours would likely be from somewhere between the year on the latest patent date and 1911. There is no way to narrow it down further.

As with any antique piece with an age like this, there isn't really a good way to value it quickly and accurately. Many factors go into pricing antique pool tables, including, but not limited to:
- It's condition
- whether or not all parts are original (vs. aftermarket or restored)
- where you are located geographically
- who is in the market looking for this specific model at any given time
However, now that you know the make and model name of the pool table, you can start monitoring the market via classified sites, etc.

Here are some brochure and catalog photos of Brunswick Southern pool tables,

Brunswick "The Southern" Pool Table

From the 1898 Brunswick Billiards catalog—"The Southern":

From the 1904 Brunswick Balke-Collender Co. Catalog—"Cheap but Good":

From the 1905 Brunswick Balke-Collender Co. Catalog—"A popular grade for cigar stores, etc.":

From the 1906 Brunswick Balke-Collender Co. Catalog—"Popular for the medium grade of billiard room":

From the 1911 Brunswick Balke-Collender Co. Catalog—"Handsomely Furnished in Golden Oak":

Here are the technical details on the Brunswick Southern pool table model from the 1908-1909 Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. catalog, page 10:
Brunswick "Southern" Pool Table

This style is deserved popular for the medium grade of billiard room, especially cigar stores, barber shops, etc.

Manufactured under 18 constructions patents awarded from 1892 to 1905.

A very substantial billiard or pool table of thoroughly good construction. Has been a prime favorite in the medium grade of billiard room for many years. Furnished with Monarch quick cushions. First quality Vermont slate.

Sizes available:
- 8 Home options (44" x 88" Playfield)
  - Slate: 3 pc. 1" unframed
  - Weight (lbs):1100
- 9 Pro options (50" x 100" Playfield)
  - Slate: 3 pc. 1" unframed
  - Weight (lbs):1200
Color Options:
- Golden Oak
From the 1904 Brunswick Balke Collender Co. catalog:

The "Southern" is made in two sizes, 4x8 and 4 1/2x9 and furnished as carom and pool, or both combined. It is carried in stock in a golden oak finish. It is fitted with our celebrated monarch Quick cushions and supplied with a complete playing outfit of good quality.

All combination tables have our patent adjustable carom plugs with iron fastenings.

All tables are fitted with Vermont slate beds from our own quarries and the incomparable patent Monarch Cushions.

Made in sections so that the framework forming the body of the table can be taken apart for shipment. The various parts are doweled and reinforced with massive iron bolts which obtain durability and rigidity.

Rockrhino on 1/1/2022 9:58:24 AM
Thank you so much for the information. It is greatly appreciated. This is such a great forum!

I do now remember that this one might have come from a cigar store in Peoria, Illinois!

What do you think the diamond sights are made from? They look like ivory, but could they be made from a stone veneer?

Also, does anyone know if replacement bumpers are available? Can they even be replaced?

Everything else is in fabulous shape, and I would expect that just the bumpers might needed to be replaced. Otherwise, after I reassembled and re-clothed the pool table, I would be ready to rack ‘em!

Thank you!

user1722005539 on 7/26/2024 10:52:20 AM
I have an "Akron Billiard and Bowling Supply" pool table, SN 2298 and was wondering how old it is. Can you help?