Help identifying old Brunswick table

GrayBeard

GrayBeard

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi folks. I'm a new member here on AZB. I've been reading the forums for a few weeks and enjoying the community. Anyway, I recently retired and now have time to play pool more often. I just resumed playing last year after about a 40 year layoff. I'd really like to put a table in my basement, and am looking for tables to refurbish. I found this table on CL for my area and wondered if anyone can identify the model, age, etc. It is listed as "Regulation Size Billiard Table" by Brunswick. It obviously needs work, but the price is right. But before I jump in I'd like to know a little more about the table from unbiased sources.

My thanks in advance for any information you can give me.
 

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I do not know that one. The legs are sort of like the old Sport King but the pockets are wrong. Can you post a picture of the nameplate in the head rail? If there is no name plate I do not think it is a Brunswick. If there is the style of the name plate will help identify the time period.
 
I'm guessing late 30s or early 40s, because it's got over-size slates.

The older under-size slates with side-mounted cushions can be a problem.
I've played on similar covered drop pockets like these....shortly after,
the fully closed pocketed Centennials and Anniversaries came out.

Like Jerry says, ask for a picture of the name plate.
It looks worth restoring, to me.

Mr Bond and RKC will know more.
 
Here is the only photo I have of an identifying name plate.
 

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Here's the only other photo that was posted on CL. I don't know if this helps.
 

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GrayBeard said:
Here is the only photo I have of an identifying name plate.
Click to expand...

That is mid 30s-1945, the curly B in Brunswick dates it. Likely earlier and entry-level since it is just stamped and not brass. I'll check catalogs.
 
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That's the Brunswick "Liberty"

libertyv_lg.jpg


"Liberty models are identical design to Challenger, only without metal stripes on rails and legs. Liberty V changes from Liberty with a change in pocket shields (removed metal shields) and the addition of bottom leg trim."

challenger_lg.jpg


Challenger, Challenger V
From the 1939-1940 Billiard Supplies of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., page 13:

For the most outstanding value in billiard tables, Brunswick offers the Challenger. Its sturdy construction, eye appealing beauty, convenient playing features and lasting quality have never before been attained in such a low priced table! The Challenger is a pride and joy to the room owner who wants "class" at a reasonable price. Crackle varnished to a deep, rich maroon that gives extra durability as well as genuine lasting beauty. Contains every convenience feature for better play.
 
^^^^^
:clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:
 
My thanks to Jerry Forsyth, PT109, Mr. Bond and Ideologist for your help. I'm sure it has been correctly identified. Now I just need to get a look at it in person.
 
Table

This table has T-rails...

Brunswick had a lot of Heinz 57 tables.....
Your best off calling ken hash at classic billiards.



Rob.M
 
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GrayBeard said:
My thanks to Jerry Forsyth, PT109, Mr. Bond and Ideologist for your help. I'm sure it has been correctly identified. Now I just need to get a look at it in person.
Click to expand...

YW

FYI in the first photo you posted, the skirts are missing.
If the table owner doesn't have them, its a bit of a problem
 
dontlitethat said:
Every challenger I've worked on had T-rails...

Brunswick had a lot of Heinz 57 tables.....
Your best off calling ken hash at classic billiards.



Rob.M
Click to expand...

Interesting.....so the slate and rails could be after-market?
It would be an improvement, though, IMO.
I think side-mounted rails (T-rails) don't hit as well.

The British snooker tables add an expensive 'steel-block' system....
...only to get the rails to hit no better than a Gold Crown.
 
Table

pt109 said:
Interesting.....so the slate and rails could be after-market?
It would be an improvement, though, IMO.
I think side-mounted rails (T-rails) don't hit as well.

The British snooker tables add an expensive 'steel-block' system....
...only to get the rails to hit no better than a Gold Crown.
Click to expand...

-
The table in question is a t-rail table.
Also looks to be a 5x10



Rob.M
 
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According to the CL add it is a 4.5 x 9 table. I am not very knowledgeable about the different rail systems, so I wonder if I would be getting into trouble trying to restore this table, especially if the rails need to be replaced. It is currently disassembled and the owner is asking $150 for it.
 
GrayBeard said:
According to the CL add it is a 4.5 x 9 table. I am not very knowledgeable about the different rail systems, so I wonder if I would be getting into trouble trying to restore this table, especially if the rails need to be replaced. It is currently disassembled and the owner is asking $150 for it.
Click to expand...

Well, you can't 'replace' T-rails without significant expense. The price on the table is definitely right, though.

Bank shots are going to play differently on this table than most others you play on. Otherwise, it is an absolute bargain for $150
 
Well, since my ideal table would be a Gold Crown or Diamond, I'm not sure I would want a table that would play significantly different.
 
GrayBeard said:
Well, since my ideal table would be a Gold Crown or Diamond, I'm not sure I would want a table that would play significantly different.
Click to expand...

Ah, yeah. T-rails will never feel like a GC or Diamond

The slates are worth that much as workbench tops, though.
 
To get this one back to "normal" would probably cost as much as getting your hands on a decent gold crown or diamond...so unless you are specifically looking for an antique, it might be best to pass on it.

It CAN be fixed to play like a modern table, but will take money and patience.
 
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