Dating Your Brunswick: A Guide

If you're trying to date your Brunswick pool table, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, you can look for the Brunswick logo or nameplate, usually located on the table's frame or rails. You can also check the serial number, often stamped on the frame or a metal plate. Additionally, examining the table's design, construction materials, and ornamental details can help determine its age. For instance, older Brunswick tables were made with high-quality woods like mahogany or oak. You can also send detailed pictures to Brunswick customer service or consult antique dealers and professionals specialising in vintage pool tables.

Check for the logo

Checking for the logo is a crucial step in identifying an authentic Brunswick pool table. The logo can be found in a few different places, so it is important to inspect various parts of the table thoroughly. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Check the Printed Name or Logo

Start by looking for the Brunswick name or logo printed or engraved on the table. This can be found on a metal plate affixed to the outer rail or side of the pool table. In some cases, you may find the full name, while in other cases, it might be a monogram with the letter "B" stamped on the metal plate. The "B" typically features a serif font, with the top left serif extending upwards and over the letter. This distinct style can be a strong indicator of an authentic Brunswick table.

Inspect the Metal Plate

Another crucial element to look for is a metal plate that runs along the underside of the rails. This metal plate, known as the High-Performance Nut Plate, is unique to Brunswick tables and is used to attach the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts. It features special washers that are exclusively used in Brunswick pool tables, so its presence can be a telling sign.

Seek Out Dome-Shaped Washers

In addition to the High-Performance Nut Plate, pay close attention to the shape and placement of the washers. Authentic Brunswick tables use dome-shaped washers with sharp or pointed edges to hold the nut plate in place. These washers are designed to cling to the underside of the slate, and their distinct shape is a unique characteristic of Brunswick tables.

Check Beneath the Felt Covering

If the rails of your pool table are intact, you may need to carefully lift the felt covering to inspect the area beneath. Look for labels that identify the cushions as genuine Brunswick "SuperSpeed" cushions. This method may require careful handling to avoid damaging the felt, but it can be a helpful way to confirm the authenticity of the table.

Verify the Solid Hardwood Rails

Brunswick pool tables are renowned for their solid hardwood construction. Examine the rails of the table to ensure they are made of solid hardwood. If you notice that the rails are created from joined or multiple pieces of wood, it is a clear indication that the table is not an authentic Brunswick.

Find a Recessed Area Beneath the Cushions

Brunswick tables are designed with a unique feature: a recessed area beneath the cushions. This recessed area allows the rail to be securely attached to the slate surface by stapling the felt down. Carefully inspect the underside of the cushions to see if this recessed area is present.

By following these detailed instructions and checking for the logo and other distinct features, you can confidently identify an authentic Brunswick pool table. Remember to inspect the table thoroughly and seek out the unique characteristics that set Brunswick tables apart.

Check the serial number

Checking the serial number is a crucial step in identifying an old Brunswick pool table. These serial numbers can usually be found on the underside of the table, often near one of the legs. The serial number may also be stamped on the table frame or on a metal plate affixed to the outer rail or side of the table.

The serial number itself can provide valuable information about the table's production year and model. For instance, a serial number starting with the letter "B" is a good indication that the table is an older Brunswick model. Additionally, six-digit serial numbers typically indicate that the table was manufactured after 1900, while five-digit numbers suggest a production date before 1900.

It is worth noting that the serial numbers on Brunswick tables were primarily used to keep the pieces of each individual table together during the manufacturing process. Therefore, while the serial number can help confirm that all the parts of your table are original, it may not directly translate to the date of manufacture or the number of tables produced.

In addition to the serial number, other identifying marks or stamps on the table's inside or outside can further aid in determining its age more accurately.

Compare table design to vintage catalogues

Comparing the design of a Brunswick pool table to vintage catalogues is a great way to identify an old Brunswick table.

Brunswick has been manufacturing pool tables for over a century, and their designs have gone through various changes and innovations. The company has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, and their catalogue records provide essential information about different table models, styles, and production dates.

• Table Design: Brunswick has produced tables with distinct designs and features over the years. By studying vintage catalogues and comparing the design elements of your table to known models, you can identify similarities and narrow down the production period.
• Ornamental Details: Brunswick tables often feature intricate carvings, inlays, and decorative elements. These details can be unique to certain models or time periods, providing valuable clues for identification.
• Construction Materials: Older Brunswick tables were typically made with high-quality woods like mahogany or oak. Newer models may incorporate different materials, so identifying the construction materials can help determine the age of your table.
• Serial Number and Logo: Many older Brunswick tables have a serial number stamped on the frame or a metal plate. This number can indicate the table's production year and model. Additionally, look for the Brunswick logo or nameplate, usually located on the table's frame or rails.

By carefully examining these design elements and comparing them to vintage catalogues, you can identify the age and model of your Brunswick pool table. This research process will not only help you authenticate your table but also appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind it.

Inspect the construction materials

Inspecting the construction materials of a pool table is crucial when trying to identify an authentic Brunswick model, especially since these tables are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and can be quite costly. Here are some detailed guidelines on what to look for:

Metal Plates and Washers

Look for a metal plate that runs along the underside of the rails, attaching the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts. This "High Performance Nut Plate" is unique to Brunswick tables and features dome-shaped washers with pointed edges that cling to the underside of the slate. These washers are designed specifically for Brunswick tables and are not found on other brands.

Solid Hardwood Rails

Brunswick pool tables are crafted with solid hardwood rails. If the rails are made of joined pieces of wood, it is not a genuine Brunswick table. Inspect the rails carefully, as this is a key indicator of authenticity.

Recessed Area Under the Cushions

Brunswick tables are designed with a recessed area on the underside of the cushions. This area is where the felt is stapled down, allowing for a consistent attachment of the rail to the slate surface. The presence of this recessed area is a distinctive feature of Brunswick tables.

Table and Slate Joints

Examine the joints between the table and the slate. Authentic Brunswick tables feature strong "dovetail" joints, utilising furniture-making techniques such as gluing two pieces of wood with alternating grain. These joints provide exceptional strength and stability to the table.

Galvanized Steel Leg Plates

Inspect the legs of the pool table for galvanized steel leg plates. Brunswick tables use these plates to attach the legs to the table. They are typically found in the corners of the underside of the table, held in place with nuts and bolts.

"Brunswick Certified" Slate Sticker

Check for the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker, which has black print on a white background with the Brunswick logo. This sticker is usually found on the underside of the slate and serves as a definitive indicator of a genuine Brunswick table.

By carefully inspecting these construction materials and elements, you can confidently identify whether your pool table is an authentic Brunswick model. These tables are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, so attention to detail is essential when verifying their authenticity.

Look for ornamental details

When it comes to dating a Brunswick pool table, paying close attention to its ornamental details can provide valuable clues about its age and historical period. Here are some specific areas to focus on when examining the decorative features of your Brunswick pool table:

Legs and Cabinetry:

The design of the table legs and the style of the cabinetry can offer significant insights into the era of your Brunswick pool table. Over time, Brunswick introduced various leg styles that reflected the prevailing aesthetic trends. For instance:

• Massive, intricately carved legs characteristic of the Victorian era indicate a table from the late 19th century.
• Tapered or reeded legs with simple, clean lines suggest a transition into the 20th century, especially the 1910s and 1920s.
• Sleek, minimalist legs devoid of ornate details point to a mid-century modern design, likely from the 1950s or 1960s.

Additionally, examine the cabinetry for distinctive features. Curved or rounded cabinet sides were popular in the earlier decades of the 20th century, while straight lines and sharp corners became more prevalent in the post-World War II era.

Carvings and Appliques:

Brunswick pool tables from the Victorian era and the subsequent Edwardian period often featured elaborate carvings and appliques. These decorative elements might include scrolling patterns, foliage motifs, or intricate borders. Tables from this period were designed to impress and exude opulence, so the craftsmanship of these ornamental details can be exceptional.

On the other hand, tables from the Art Deco era (1920s-1930s) may showcase geometric designs, zigzags, or sunburst patterns, reflecting the era's fascination with bold symmetry and streamlined forms. If your table has original appliques or inlays showcasing these motifs, it likely dates back to this glamorous period.

Finish and Veneer:

The type of finish and veneer used on your Brunswick pool table can also provide clues about its age. Older tables were often crafted from solid mahogany, oak, or walnut, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain. Over time, Brunswick introduced veneered surfaces, allowing for more intricate patterns and designs.

If your table has an intricate marquetry veneer or an elaborate inlay, it likely dates from the early 20th century when these techniques were widely used. Additionally, the finish can offer insights; older tables may have acquired a patina over time, while tables from the mid-century onward often feature a high-gloss or polished finish.

Unique Details and Customizations:

Brunswick offered various customizable features and unique details over the years, which can help narrow down the age of your pool table. For example, some tables from the early 1900s featured built-in scoring mechanisms or unique ball return systems. Tables from the 1920s and 1930s might include innovative leveling mechanisms or hidden storage compartments.

If your table has any unusual or distinctive features, researching these elements can help pinpoint its era. Brunswick pool tables were often at the forefront of design and functionality, so identifying these custom touches can provide valuable dating information.

In conclusion, examining the ornamental details of your Brunswick pool table can be a fascinating journey through design history. By considering the era's dominant design movements and paying attention to the table's legs, cabinetry, carvings, and unique features, you can confidently date your Brunswick pool table and appreciate its place in the evolution of design aesthetics.

Frequently asked questions