Brunswick Madison

[MikeMaaen]

I have a lead on a Brunswick Madison built in the early 1900's. The price on this is pretty attractive for an antique table and I'm planning a trip this weekend to look at it. Do you have any specific things (other than general condition) that I should be looking for. The pics look clean but I'm not a mechanic. ANY Tips would be appreciated.

 

[Dead Crab]

Pocket dimensions would be one thing. It can be a big job to extend sub-rails if you want them tighter.

There have also been some posts here about old tables where the rails have been altered to accept "new" cushions. So, I guess making sure that you can replace rubber without having to do major rail surgery is another thing to look at.

Make sure the cushion nose height is correct, and the balls travel well off of them.

 

[n10spool]

This table has

#3 pocket irons so expect alot of wear or repair work around the irons if there isnt, then you have excellent rails..

The slate is pinned at the seams from the top you can check for blowout or alot of repair if not you have again excellent slates. So I always tell the owner one price but if the slates show alot of repair then lets agree on a different price before I cut the cloth to look underneath and see the condition of the slate's. All slate is fixable but if you can save money this is a good way to cut the asking price down fast. expect the wood backing to be worn out around the pockets from staples and tacks.

It's a great table own I have 7 or 8 old Brunswick's from 1878 -1950

Craig

 

[pooltableproCP]

This table has

#3 pocket irons so expect alot of wear or repair work around the irons if there isnt, then you have excellent rails..

The slate is pinned at the seams from the top you can check for blowout or alot of repair if not you have again excellent slates. So I always tell the owner one price but if the slates show alot of repair then lets agree on a different price before I cut the cloth to look underneath and see the condition of the slate's. All slate is fixable but if you can save money this is a good way to cut the asking price down fast. expect the wood backing to be worn out around the pockets from staples and tacks.

It's a great table own I have 7 or 8 old Brunswick's from 1878 -1950

Craig

I believe the Madisons (at least the ones that I have had experience with) were all #6 style pockets.

 

[MikeMaaen]

More Info

talked with the owner last night and got directions etc. During the discussion he indicated that the plate on the table reads "Atlas" rather than Brunswick. This raises a red flag for me. He indicated that back in the era the table was constructed other makers would put thier label on a Brunswick. This sounds a bit "fishy" to me but the seller seems really sincere in his belief that he has a true Madison. Can anyone confirm his position or know anything about the "Atlas" brand?

 

[Dartman]

The plate may be a replacement - who knows.
Seems you're trying to talk yourself into or out of this table sight unseen.
Go see the table, take some pics and post them here.
Giving the community a visual of the table in question should get you better advice and opinions.

 

[MikeMaaen]

Link to Table

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/spo/606592111.html

The table is on craigslist at the address above. There is one picture on that page along with the sellers description. Your right to advise me to get more pics and post them. Thats exactly what I will do. Thanks for the advice.
Mike

 

[Dartman]

Hey Mike - you might check these specs to compare to the table on craigs list.
http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/antique_tables/madison.html
If the table is genuine and in good shape that $950 price is wayyy low - possibly
the owner has no clue to the value of the table (and a good score for the buyer).

 

[MikeMaaen]

Thanks Rick. I got the specs, will take lots of photos etc. Owner has had table for 5 years. His son had it for about 8-10 years before that and you are right...the price is just right. Thanks for helping out, I love to play pool and after selling my GCII a few years back really miss having a table. Sure hope this turns out as well as I think.