Brunswick Pool Table: Identification Guide

Brunswick pool tables are some of the most popular and highly regarded on the market. The company has been making tables for over 170 years and is known for its craftsmanship and quality. So, how do you identify a Brunswick pool table?

Firstly, look for the Brunswick name printed in large letters on the wood or on a metal plate affixed to the outer rail or side of the table. This could be the full name or a monogram incorporating a B. You can also check the legs for the logo. Secondly, Brunswick tables are only made with wood, so the rails should be solid wood, not joined pieces. Thirdly, check the underside of the rails for a metal High Performance Nut Plate, a proprietary element of Brunswick tables. Finally, check the slate for a Brunswick Certified sticker and the underside of the cushions for a recessed area where the felt is stapled.

Check for the Brunswick name printed in large letters

One of the key features of a Brunswick pool table is the manufacturer's mark. Check for the Brunswick name printed in large letters directly on the wood, or on a metal plate affixed to the outer rail or side of the pool table. This could be the entire name or a monogram incorporating the letter "B". The "B" will generally be in a serif font with the top left serif extending up and over the letter. The name might also be engraved on a metal plate attached to the wood.

The company has had several different names over the years, so the name on the table will depend on the year it was made. Past names that will appear on authentic Brunswick tables include:

• Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company
• JM Brunswick Manufacturing Company
• JM Brunswick and Brothers

You may also find a "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker, which has black print on a white background with the Brunswick logo. This can be found on the underside of the slate.

Inspect the table's construction

Inspecting the table's construction is crucial when identifying a Brunswick pool table. Here are some detailed guidelines to assist you in this process:

Firstly, examine the materials used in the table's construction. Brunswick pool tables are renowned for their high-quality construction, often utilising solid hardwoods like mahogany or oak. Ensure the rails are made of solid wood, as Brunswick tables were exclusively crafted from wood. Inspect the legs for intricate carvings or unique designs, such as the presence of galvanized steel leg plates used to attach the legs to the table.

Secondly, pay attention to the table's joints. Brunswick tables are known for their sturdy construction, employing furniture-making techniques such as "dovetail" joints to ensure strong connections between the table and the slate surface. Inspect the underside of the slate for the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker, which indicates authenticity. Additionally, look for the High Performance Nut Plate, a proprietary element of Brunswick tables. This metal plate runs along the underside of the rails, attaching the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts and unique dome-shaped washers.

Thirdly, inspect the construction of the rail cushions. Brunswick tables feature a recessed area on the underside of the cushions, allowing for even attachment to the slate surface. Check beneath the felt covering of the rail cushions for labels identifying them as genuine Brunswick "SuperSpeed" cushions. Verify that the rails are made of solid hardwood and not joined pieces of wood, as this would indicate a lack of authenticity.

Lastly, consult the Brunswick website for detailed construction information. The website provides a comprehensive list of unique construction elements specific to Brunswick tables, as well as an archive with diagrams and photographs of various models. This resource can be invaluable in identifying specific models and their distinct construction features.

Look for the Brunswick logo

Brunswick pool tables are some of the most popular and finely made tables on the market. If you're lucky enough to own one, it's important to know how to identify it so you can give it the right care. One of the most important things to look for is the Brunswick logo.

The Brunswick logo can usually be found on the felt, on the rails, or on one of the legs of the table. It can be printed in large letters directly on the wood or on a metal plate affixed to the outer rail or side of the table. Sometimes, it will be the entire name, and other times, it will be a monogram incorporating the letter "B" stamped onto a metal plate. The "B" will typically be in a serif font with the top left serif extending up and over the letter.

In addition to the logo, you can also look for other distinct features of Brunswick tables. For example, Brunswick tables have a unique High Performance Nut Plate, a metal plate that runs along the underside of the rails and attaches the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts. This plate features special dome-shaped washers with pointed edges that are only used in Brunswick tables.

Another distinctive feature of Brunswick tables is the use of solid hardwood rails. If the rails are made of joined pieces of wood, it is not an authentic Brunswick table. Brunswick tables also have a recessed area on the underside of the cushions, which allows the rail to attach evenly to the slate surface.

So, if you're trying to identify a Brunswick pool table, start by looking for the logo and then check for these other unique features. By examining these elements, you can successfully identify an authentic Brunswick pool table.

Check the table's material

Checking the table's material is a crucial step in identifying an authentic Brunswick pool table. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:

Examine the Wood Type

Brunswick pool tables are renowned for their exquisite woodwork, crafted from solid hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or rosewood. When inspecting the table, look for solid hardwood rails. If the rails are made of joined pieces of wood or wood veneer, it is not an authentic Brunswick. The legs of the table should also be examined for their wood type and craftsmanship.

Inspect the Slate

Brunswick tables often feature a slate surface. Check for a recessed area on the underside of the cushions, where the felt is stapled down, allowing for an even attachment to the slate. Additionally, examine the joints between the table and the slate. Authentic Brunswick tables will have strong "dovetail" joints, created using furniture-making techniques such as gluing two pieces of wood with alternating grain.

Identify Unique Elements

Brunswick tables incorporate several unique elements in their construction. Look for the High Performance Nut Plate, a metal plate that runs along the underside of the rails, attaching the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts. This plate features dome-shaped washers with pointed edges, which cling to the underside of the slate and are exclusive to Brunswick tables. Additionally, check for the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker, featuring black print on a white background with the Brunswick logo, typically found on the underside of the slate.

Check for the Brunswick Certified slate sticker

The "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker is an important feature in identifying an authentic Brunswick pool table. It is usually found on the underside of the slate and consists of black print on a white background, featuring the distinctive Brunswick logo. This sticker is not given lightly; Brunswick slate must pass rigid quality requirements to be certified. The slate is diamond-honed, precision-machined, and levelled to within ten-thousandths of an inch. It is cured for an extended period to assure stability and is checked for flatness on both the top and bottom at least four times during the machining and curing process. This meticulous process ensures that every set of Brunswick slate is of the highest quality and will provide a lifetime of playability.

The presence of the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker is a strong indicator that you have a genuine Brunswick pool table. It is a seal of approval from the company, guaranteeing the slate's superior quality and performance. This sticker is not easily earned, as Brunswick slate undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets their exacting standards. By choosing a pool table with this certification, you can be confident in the accuracy and consistency of your table's playing surface.

When inspecting a Brunswick pool table, be sure to carefully examine the underside of the slate for this important sticker. It is worth noting that the Brunswick logo has evolved over time, so the specific design may vary depending on the age of the table. However, the essential elements of black print on a white background should remain consistent. This subtle yet significant detail can provide valuable insight into the authenticity and quality of your pool table.

In addition to the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker, there are several other key features unique to Brunswick pool tables. These include the High-Performance Nut Plate, a metal plate that attaches the cushioned rail to the slate with metal bolts, and dome-shaped washers with sharp edges that are exclusive to Brunswick tables. A genuine Brunswick table will also have a recessed area on the underside of the cushions, allowing the rail to attach evenly to the slate surface.

By checking for the "Brunswick Certified" slate sticker and other distinctive elements, you can confidently identify an authentic Brunswick pool table. These tables are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, and this sticker is a testament to the company's commitment to providing a superior playing experience. Whether you're a collector, a player, or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, knowing how to identify a Brunswick pool table can be incredibly valuable.

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