This table is beat, but old, and Oval! I think woodwright should buy it and film the restoration.
Oval Shaped Brunswick & Balke Billiard Table 1874
As one member stated: This style/ model table is called the Virginius. Most manufacturers named their different model tables - including Brunswick (who was by far the most prolific antique pool table maker. Here's a link to +/- 150 named Brunswick antique pool table models: http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/antique_tables/gallery_1.html , here's another link to Billiard Restorations website and a gallery of antique tables: http://www.billiardrestoration.com/antique-pool-tables.htm ). It was made about 1875.
These are definately rare Victorian pool tables. But this one is in very rough shape. Looks like it was stored in a barn or somewhere moisture wasn't controlled - uncovered. The legs were once veneered w/ Rosewood veneer - only fragments remain. It's a 6 pocket table in the shape of an oval. (I've also seen round, L- shaped & hexagonal tables pool tables). It is my understanding that the game of 11 Ball was played on this style table (a variation that uses only 11 balls instead of the usual 15 ). I've only seen a couple of these. I've attached pictures of a table that I saw on ebay a year or two ago that is similar, from about the same period, but slightly different. This one (besides being restored and playable) has an elliptical playing surface rather than oval, with a different style leg and 4 sides (instead of the 6 sided Virginius) that are paneled w/ an applied panel moulding. I don't remember what it sold for.
I was watching this one - it sold for $2,425.33 (6 different bidders) - decent money considering it's condition. But no - I didn't bid and wasn't interested in owning or restoring it. A lot of work to restore this one, and when you are done - there is a very limited group of potential buyers. Most people today play 8 or 9 ball on a "normal" rectangular table and wouldn't care to play on an oval table - it would be a different experience for sure - odd angles for all shots, especially bank shots). Pool tables are large, heavy and take up a lot of real estate (not to mention the 5ft. of clearance you need all the way around the table to shoot). Like pianos, many are very beautiful, but if you don't play, you're probably not going to devote a big chunk of your house to something that just looks nice but isn't real functional (to a lesser extent - sort of like victorian credenza's - gorgeous, but not real useful). Thus even when fully restored (many hours and dollars down the road) - you'd have to find the rare buyer that appreciates it for it's rarity and uniqueness and is willing to spend good money on it - most people want normal rectangular tables. woodwright
These are definately rare Victorian pool tables. But this one is in very rough shape. Looks like it was stored in a barn or somewhere moisture wasn't controlled - uncovered. The legs were once veneered w/ Rosewood veneer - only fragments remain. It's a 6 pocket table in the shape of an oval. (I've also seen round, L- shaped & hexagonal tables pool tables). It is my understanding that the game of 11 Ball was played on this style table (a variation that uses only 11 balls instead of the usual 15 ). I've only seen a couple of these. I've attached pictures of a table that I saw on ebay a year or two ago that is similar, from about the same period, but slightly different. This one (besides being restored and playable) has an elliptical playing surface rather than oval, with a different style leg and 4 sides (instead of the 6 sided Virginius) that are paneled w/ an applied panel moulding. I don't remember what it sold for.
I was watching this one - it sold for $2,425.33 (6 different bidders) - decent money considering it's condition. But no - I didn't bid and wasn't interested in owning or restoring it. A lot of work to restore this one, and when you are done - there is a very limited group of potential buyers. Most people today play 8 or 9 ball on a "normal" rectangular table and wouldn't care to play on an oval table - it would be a different experience for sure - odd angles for all shots, especially bank shots). Pool tables are large, heavy and take up a lot of real estate (not to mention the 5ft. of clearance you need all the way around the table to shoot). Like pianos, many are very beautiful, but if you don't play, you're probably not going to devote a big chunk of your house to something that just looks nice but isn't real functional (to a lesser extent - sort of like victorian credenza's - gorgeous, but not real useful). Thus even when fully restored (many hours and dollars down the road) - you'd have to find the rare buyer that appreciates it for it's rarity and uniqueness and is willing to spend good money on it - most people want normal rectangular tables. woodwright
