Crafting Brunswick Pool Tables

Brunswick pool tables are renowned for their unique design and craftsmanship, utilising high-quality hardwood and slate to create durable and aesthetically pleasing tables. With a history spanning over 170 years, the brand has become synonymous with innovation and quality in the world of billiards. Founded by John Moses Brunswick, the company has grown from a passion for woodworking and a commitment to creating lasting beauty. Today, Brunswick tables continue to be sought-after for their exceptional playability, sophisticated look, and affordable price point. The manufacturing process involves reinforcing the tables with rubber cushions, offering customisation options, and employing groundbreaking designers and expert craftsmen to bring their vision to life.

John Moses Brunswick's vision

Brunswick's journey began in the mid-19th century, when he emigrated from Switzerland to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. He established the Cincinnati Carriage Making Company in 1845, building a solid reputation as a master craftsman. However, it was his encounter with a finely crafted billiard table that ignited his true calling.

Captivated by the intricate details and exquisite workmanship of the billiard table, Brunswick made a bold declaration: "If it is wood, we can build it – and we can build it better than anyone else". He wasted no time in pursuing his newfound passion, crafting his first billiard table soon after. By 1850, just five years later, his tables were already gaining recognition worldwide for their original craftsmanship and design, with a reputation for fine quality, playability, and beauty.

The legacy of John Moses Brunswick and his company is one of adaptability, creativity, quality, shared vision, and global reach. Over 175 years later, the company he founded continues to thrive, guided by his original vision of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation.

The company's history

Brunswick Billiards has been a leading influence in recreational products for over 175 years. The company was founded by John Moses Brunswick, who was inspired to start making billiards tables after seeing one crafted by London manufacturer John Thurston.

John Moses Brunswick immigrated to the US from Switzerland in 1834. He initially worked as a carriage maker in Cincinnati, Ohio, but his career changed direction after he saw a billiards table. "If it's made out of wood, we can make it better," he declared. He called his brothers to the US to help him build his company, which expanded across the United States and internationally.

By 1848, Brunswick had opened its first sales office in Chicago on State Street. This soon expanded to include two factories and an 8,000-square-foot billiard parlour on Washington Street. Additional offices, sales rooms, and billiard parlours opened in New Orleans in 1852 and St. Louis in 1859. By 1850, Brunswick tables were known around the world for their craftsmanship and design.

In 1873, Brunswick merged with rival Julius Balke’s Great Western Billiard Table Manufactory to become The J. M. Brunswick and Balke Company. Two years later, pamphlets described the company as manufacturing 700 tables annually, with 350 Brunswick tables in play in Chicago. The company sold tables from Canada to Mexico, with tables in every principal city in the west.

In 1884, Brunswick joined with another rival to become The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, the largest billiard equipment company in the world. In 1888, it was one of the most successful businesses in Chicago, operating from a five-story building on State Street, with two additional factories in the city. In 1890, company president Moses Bensinger began to experiment with ways to make better billiard tables and equipment.

In 1906, Brunswick opened a new 100,000-square-foot plant in Muskegon, Michigan. The company owned boats, a lumber mill, timberland, and slate quarries. In 1912, The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. had main offices in Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, and San Francisco, with factories in six US cities, plus Toronto and Paris, and offices and salesrooms in 43 cities across America.

In 1960, The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company changed its name to Brunswick Corporation. In 1961, it debuted the AR6100 series Gold Crown table, which became the industry standard.

Identifying an old Brunswick pool table

Brunswick has been manufacturing pool tables since 1845, and their designs have gone through various changes and innovations throughout the years. Identifying an old Brunswick pool table is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows collectors and aficionados to determine the authenticity and value of the table. Secondly, understanding the history and evolution of Brunswick pool tables helps shed light on the development of the game itself. Here are some key identifiers to look for when attempting to identify an old Brunswick pool table:

Manufacturer's Mark

Look for the Brunswick logo or nameplate, usually located somewhere on the table's frame or rails. The logo may have changed over time, so researching different logo variations can be valuable. For example, the logo may be the entire name printed in large letters, or it could be a monogram incorporating the letter "B" stamped onto a metal plate affixed to the table.

Serial Number

Many older Brunswick tables have a serial number stamped on the frame or a metal plate. This number can provide valuable information about the table's production year and model.

Table Design

Brunswick has produced tables with different designs and features throughout their history. Studying vintage catalogs and comparing the table's design elements with known models can aid in identification. For example, the table's leg shape might indicate the model. The "Sports King" model, for instance, has a distinct leg shape.

Construction Materials

Pay attention to the materials used in the table's construction. Older Brunswick tables were often made with high-quality woods like mahogany or oak, while newer models might incorporate different materials. Additionally, Brunswick tables were made with solid hardwood rails. If the rails are made of joined pieces of wood, it is not an authentic Brunswick table.

Ornamental Details

Brunswick tables often feature intricate carvings, inlays, or decorative elements that can be unique to certain models or time periods, providing clues for identification.

Other Distinctive Features

Some other distinctive features of Brunswick tables include:

• A metal plate that runs along the underside of the rails, attaching the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts.
• Dome-shaped washers with pointed edges holding the nut plate in place, clinging to the underside of the slate.
• A recessed area on the underside of the cushions where the felt may be stapled down, allowing the rail to attach evenly to the slate surface.
• Strong joints that utilize furniture-making techniques like gluing two pieces of wood with alternating grain. The joints that support the slate table surface will be "dovetail" joints.
• Galvanized steel leg plates used to attach the legs to the table, held in place with nuts and bolts.
• A "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker with black print on a white background and the Brunswick logo, found on the underside of the slate.

The manufacturing process

Brunswick pool tables are made from high-quality hardwood and slate, and are reinforced with rubber cushions. They are known for their unique design and craftsmanship, with intricate carvings, inlays, and decorative elements. The manufacturing process for these tables involves several steps to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail.

Firstly, the materials used in the construction of the table are carefully selected. Brunswick uses only the finest hardwoods, such as mahogany or oak, to ensure the durability and aesthetic appeal of their tables. The slate used for the bed of the table is also of the highest quality, sourced from their own quarries.

The next step in the process is the cutting and shaping of the wood and slate components. This involves precise measurements and craftsmanship to create the table's structure, legs, rails, and playing surface. Brunswick artisans utilise their expertise in woodworking to shape the wood according to the desired design, incorporating any intricate details or carvings that are unique to the model.

Once the components are cut and shaped, they are assembled with meticulous care. Brunswick employs fine furniture joinery techniques, such as dovetail joints, to create a sturdy and stable structure. The rails, which are made of solid hardwood, are attached to the slate bed using Brunswick's exclusive High-Performance Nut Plate, allowing for a solid and seamless connection.

After assembly, the tables are finished with a multi-step process. The wood is kiln-dried to a moisture level of 6-8%, then stained and sealed to protect it from moisture and maintain its longevity. A fine furniture finish is applied to complete the elegant look of each table, ensuring it can be passed on through generations.

Finally, the tables are inspected for quality and certified by Brunswick. The slate, in particular, undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets their precise standards for flatness and precision. Once the table has passed all inspections, it is ready to be packaged and shipped to customers, complete with a lifetime warranty that stands as a testament to Brunswick's exceptional craftsmanship.

The Brunswick commitment to quality

Brunswick pool tables are renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, with a legacy spanning over 175 years. The company's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their table production, from the materials used to the innovative techniques employed.

Brunswick tables are crafted from the finest high-quality hardwoods, such as mahogany and oak, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The company owns its own slate quarries in Vermont and Pennsylvania, utilising the slate to create smooth, level playing surfaces that meet exacting standards. Each piece of slate is diamond-honed, precision-machined, and levelled to within ten-thousandths of an inch, guaranteeing a lifetime of playability.

The craftsmanship that goes into each table is exceptional. Brunswick employs stable joinery construction techniques, such as gluing panels with alternating grain patterns, resulting in solid, stable furniture that will endure for generations. The tables are further reinforced with rubber cushions, ensuring consistent and accurate ball rebound. The attention to detail extends to the smallest elements, such as the use of mother-of-pearl rail sights and genuine leather pockets, adding both functionality and elegance to the tables.

Brunswick's commitment to quality is also reflected in their Contender line of tables, which offer excellent playability and sophisticated design at an affordable price point. This line exemplifies the company's dedication to making their tables accessible to a wider range of customers without compromising on quality.

The company's history is a testament to their adaptability and creativity. Over the years, Brunswick has expanded its product lines, launched new innovations, and adapted to changing times while always staying true to its heart—billiards. This commitment to quality has solidified Brunswick's reputation as a legendary name in the world of billiards, with their tables recognised as masterpieces of craftsmanship and design.

Frequently asked questions