Details on this Antique Brunswick Pool Table and Accessories

11/20/2017 12:55:40 PM

Details on this Antique Brunswick Pool Table and Accessories

I appreciate any info and details on this beautiful antique Brunswick pool table and accessories if at all possible.

Thanks,
Joe

JoeCaval

Details on this Antique Brunswick Pool Table and Accessories

Replies & Comments

billiardsforum on 11/22/2017 5:58:53 AM
That is a beauty.

The closest thing I can find is the Brunswick Rochester circa 1912. The only difference I can see is that it doesn't have the moulding where the leg meets the vertical edge of the rails. I wonder if it has been re-finished and that moulding used to hide the joint? Aside from that, everything looks bang-on. Even the bevel at the foot of the leg matches. Also consider that custom orders were common. At that time, it was almost normal for a customer request minor (and major) modifications to suit their needs.

The other items in your photos are old scoring devices. I am not exactly sure what the flat board scorer is for, but it is definitely for scoring. The other one that is a wire with beads usually hung from the ceiling above the pool tables in pool halls and is used to score number of games won, among other things. It is where the billiard term on the wire came from (and some others as well):
The Brunswick Rochester billiard table was made between 1906 and 1924 (so it was obviously quite popular to be in production for almost 20 years).

The Brunswick Balke Collender Rochester model was made as an "improved Pfister" (The Pfister was an older model with similar style legs, which had more ornamentation).

(more photos and catalog pages below)

There are a couple on eBay right now selling for between $5000 and $8000. A google search finds them easily.

Here is a technical description of the Brunswick Rochester billiard table from the 1912 Carom and Pocket Tables Catalog from the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company:
The [Brunswick Balke Collender] Rochester pocket billiards table is a recent production and a modification of the celebrated Pfister style which is thoroughly well known through being represented in a majority of the largest and finest billiard rooms of the United States. Inasmuch as many judges of pronounced ability favor designs in furniture which are absolutely devoid of carved ornamentations or mouldings, we have adopted this feature in the Rochester, which depends entirely on the highly polished plain surfaces, gracefully sweeping lines and striking originality which puts it in a class by itself as one of the most artistic billiard tables ever produced. Design patent awarded January 1, 1895. Produced under various patents granted from 1892 to 1905.

Wood and Finish: Furnished in either quarter sawed oak or handsomely figured Mahogany. The oak is finished in our No. 6 medium or golden color, and the Mahogany in our regular No. 2 stock color and in what is known as an egg shell gloss, which means that after being given the ordinary cabinet finish, it is hand rubbed to a dull polish which can be more easily kept clean than any other furniture finish.

Construction: The heavy o.g. framework of body is built up in what is technically known as compound construction. That is, various kinds of woods tongued and grooved together and double cross veneered on the outside, the outer veneer being handsomely figured oak or mahogany. The legs are built up in the same way. This table is made in sections and can be taken apart for shipment. Double cross stretchers 1 1/4" thick x 9" wide countersunk into reinforcing blocks 8x9" and held in place by heavy iron frame bolt, making a rigid bridge construction. Long stretchers 1 1/4" thick x 5 1/2" . Head blocks and sides built into legs, tongued and grooved; compound construction reinforced by heavy corner blocks and secured to leg cap in frame body with iron bolt reinforced with hardwood dowels. The wood construction all of first quality, cabinet made and put together in a most thorough manner. All joints made close and secure and all mitres absolutely accurate. Glued up joints are tongued and grooved, strongly doweled and glued or screwed firmly together. All corners and edges made perfectly smooth and true.

Cushion Rails: 4" x 2" thick, compound construction built up of various kinds of hardwoods of different grain, double cross veneered. Plain solid corner blocks covering joint bolt heads. Cap rails 7/8" thick x 2 3/4" on upper surface and covered with rosewood 1/4" thick. Solid rosewood corners. Ivory diamond sights. Inlaid metal fancy name plate. Invisible cushion bolts covered by what is known as Blind Cushion Rails, built up of several thicknesses placed in an alternate run of grain with fancy figured veneer on the exterior.

Slate bed: Best quality Vermont slate, 3 pieces to the set. The joints being made with brass dowels and sockets, with no screw holes in playing surface. Thickness of slate is either 1" or 1 1/2", as may be specified, reinforced with wood frame. Hardwood trim for pocket openings.

Cushions: The cushions furnished with this table, unless otherwise specified, are our celebrated No. 1845 Match Game, perfect angle Monarch. These cushions are made in our own rubber plant at Muskegon, Michigan, from a secret formula which is used exclusively by us. Our guarantee as to their accuracy of angle, speed and durability is evidenced by the nameplate countersunk in the top of the cushion rail.

Pockets: The pocket irons are No. 5 style which are countersunk in the ends of the cushion rails by means of a brass socket. Black cover leathers are reinforced at point of contact, giving extra durability. Best quality red trimming leather and green fringe. No. 10 best quality green worsted nets.

Year of Manufacture: From 1906 To 1924

9 Pro options (50" x 100" Playfield)
- Slate: 3 pc. 1"
- Weight (lbs): 1750
10 Foot options (56" x 112" Playfield)
- Slate: 3 pc. 1"
- Weight (lbs): 2025
Color Options:
- No. 6 Medium Golden Oak,
- No. 2 Mahogany
Cushion Rubber:
- Brunswick Monarch Cushions
Here are some of the catalog pages from 1911 up through 1924. Note that all of these came in 6-leg models like the one in your picture.

1911 Catalog Rochester Pool Table:

1913 Rochester Pool Table from the Brunswick Catalog:

Rochester Pool Table from the Brunswick Balke Collender 1916 Catalog

1921 Brunswick Balke Collender Rochester Pool Table

1924 Brunswick Rochester Billiard Table