Brunswick Snooker Table: 1918 Dimensions

The 1918 Brunswick snooker table is a rare find, with a professional or tournament-sized playing field of 4.5 by 9 feet. The table is crafted from Brazilian Rosewood with a Craftsman-style inlay of geometric bone. Its solid rosewood rails are chosen for the density and beauty of their grain, while the webbed leather pockets and skirts have been upgraded for a refined finish. Measuring 34 inches in height, 54 inches in width, and 108 inches in depth, this antique snooker table is a stunning example of Brunswick's craftsmanship.

The 1918 Brunswick snooker table's playing field size

The 1918 Brunswick Balke Collender Arts and Crafts Pool Table, also known as the Arcade model, features a playing field of 4 1/2 by 9 feet. This table was introduced in 1918 and remained in production until 1924.

The playing field size of 4 1/2 by 9 feet is considered a professional or tournament size for snooker tables. The table's body is crafted from Brazilian Rosewood, renowned for the density and beauty of its grain. The rails are constructed from the same solid Brazilian rosewood, ensuring a consistent and elegant appearance.

The leather pockets and skirts of the 1918 Brunswick snooker table have been upgraded, enhancing the overall aesthetic. This antique snooker table is an excellent example of craftsmanship from the early 20th century. It showcases a stunning Craftsman-style inlay of geometric bone, adding to its visual appeal.

The 1918 Brunswick snooker table measures 34 inches in height, 54 inches in width, and 108 inches in depth. It is designed to disassemble for convenient transport and installation, making it adaptable to various spaces.

The table's material and craftsmanship

The 1918 Brunswick Balke Collender Arts and Crafts Pool Table is a stunning example of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This table is a true antique, having been crafted over a century ago, and is a testament to the enduring quality and design that Brunswick is known for.

The body of the table is crafted from solid Brazilian Rosewood, a dense and beautiful wood grain that gives the table a rich, elegant appearance. The rosewood is also used for the rails, providing a consistent and luxurious look throughout. The table features a tasteful Craftsman-style inlay of geometric bone, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.

The leather pockets and skirts have been upgraded, ensuring the table not only plays but also displays beautifully. The table is in excellent condition and has been well-maintained over the years, with its polished wood and newer felt. It measures 34 inches in height, 54 inches in width, and 108 inches in depth, making it a professional or tournament-sized table with a playing field of 4.5 by 9 feet.

The craftsmanship of this table is evident in its construction and choice of materials. The use of rosewood, known for its strength and beauty, ensures a durable and stable playing surface. The bone inlay adds a unique touch, showcasing the attention to detail that went into its creation. The upgraded leather pockets and skirts further enhance the table's overall quality and playing experience.

The table is designed to be easily disassembled for transport and installation, making it convenient for those who may need to move it to different locations. Overall, the 1918 Brunswick Balke Collender Arts and Crafts Pool Table is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, combining functionality, aesthetics, and attention to detail that has stood the test of time.

The Brunswick brand's history

The Brunswick brand has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the mid-19th century. Here is a detailed account of the brand's evolution over the years:

The Early Years

The Brunswick brand was founded by John Moses Brunswick, who immigrated to the United States from Switzerland at the age of 14 or 15. On September 15, 1845, he established the J. M. Brunswick Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, initially focusing on carriage manufacturing. However, his interest soon shifted to billiards, and he began crafting billiard tables, which became a commercial success.

Expansion and Diversification

By 1848, Brunswick had expanded to Chicago, Illinois, and the company was renamed J. M. Brunswick & Brother when other family members joined the business. In 1874, Brunswick merged with competitor Great Western Billiard Manufactory, becoming the J. M. Brunswick & Balke Company. Further growth came in 1879 with a merger with H. W. Collender Company, forming the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company.

The company diversified its product offerings beyond billiard tables and began manufacturing items such as bowling equipment, ornate bars for saloons, and even toilet seats and automobile tires. They also ventured into the music industry, producing piano cases, phonographs, and records under the Brunswick Records label.

Bowling and Marine Ventures

In the early 20th century, Brunswick made a significant move into the bowling business, introducing wooden lanes, pins, and bowling balls. They played a pivotal role in establishing the American Bowling Congress in 1895. During World War II, the company contributed to the war effort by manufacturing small target-drone aircraft for the U.S. military.

In the post-war years, Brunswick continued to innovate, introducing a line of school furniture and, later, focusing on their boating business. They acquired several boat brands, including Sea Ray, Bayliner, and Mercury Marine, becoming a major maker of yachts and pleasure boats.

Recent Developments

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Brunswick underwent various changes, selling off some business units and acquiring others. They divested themselves of their bowling business in 2014-2015 and sold their fitness division in 2019. However, they continued to expand their marine portfolio, acquiring companies like Power Products and Freedom Boat Club. Today, Brunswick Corporation remains a leader in recreational boats, marine engines, and marine parts and accessories, traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BC.

How to care for a vintage Brunswick table

A vintage Brunswick snooker table is a prized possession, often willed down through the generations. To keep your table in mint condition, you should take good care of it. Here are some tips on how to care for your vintage Brunswick snooker table:

• Keep the table clean and cover it when not in use.
• Don't allow food or drink near the table, and keep junk off the rails.
• Avoid using talc, and don't chalk your cue over the table.
• Regularly brush or vacuum the table, and clean the rails with a damp cloth.
• Wash the balls regularly with mild soap and water.
• Don't let people sit on the rails, as this could cause the cushions to come loose.

In addition to the above, here are some specific tips for maintaining the quality of a 1918 Brunswick snooker table:

• The table should be kept in a specific billiards or game room, where the perfect ambiance for playing can be enjoyed. If space does not allow for a separate room, the table can be placed in a dining room or a common area such as a den or family room.
• The room should be large enough to accommodate the table, with enough space for players to maneuver around it comfortably.
• The table should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can cause the wood to warp or crack over time.
• The table should be handled with care during transport and installation, as it is an antique and may have fragile components.

The value of a vintage Brunswick table

Brunswick, established in 1845, is known for its exceedingly high-quality tables, with a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and design spanning over 170 years. The company, originally called Brunswick Balke Collender, has created over 130 different billiard table models, with only slight variations in wood, finish, inlay, and detailing.

Some notable vintage Brunswick tables include:

• The Union League: This late 1800s model features elegant fluted and turned legs with square caps and Egyptian mouldings. It has a patented head block design and is furnished with Vermont slate, Simonis cloth, and Monarch cushions.
• The St. Bernard: This table, weighing around 1800 pounds, was used in the 1906 All-Star tournament in Chicago. It has a modernised Old Mission design with heavy structural work and plain surfaces. The Vermont slate bed is 1-inch thick, and the table is equipped with Monarch quick-acting cushions.
• The Regina: A good medium-grade table from the 1920s, available in quarter-sawed oak or mahogany finish. It has a massive "Jumbo" frame and can be disassembled for shipment. The slate bed is 1-inch thick, and the table features Monarch perfect angle cushions.
• The Narragansett: A standard design that won a gold medal at the Paris Exposition. It has a simple yet perfect style, with a quarter-sawed golden oak finish. The Vermont slate bed is 1-inch thick, and the table is fitted with Monarch quick cushions.
• The Jewel: Introduced in 1896, this table features a 7-inch thick frame and intricate carvings. It is available as a carrom or pool table, or a combination of both. The Vermont slate bed, Simonis cloth, and Monarch cushions ensure excellent gameplay.

When purchasing a vintage Brunswick table, it is essential to consider the space required, as pool tables vary in size. Additionally, the transportation and installation costs can be significant, especially for larger tables. Regular maintenance and care are crucial to preserving the table's condition and value over time.

Frequently asked questions