Info about OLD (pre-GC) Brunswicks

Spider1

Spider1

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Sorry to post a whole thread about this, but didn't see a good place to slide this question in another place:

For the mechanics out there, in general how do you feel about the old pre-Gold Crown Brunswicks? Are there any models to be wary of, due to design issues/sturdiness? Do the really old tables play just as 'well' as a nice GC1 (assuming set up/felt/rails proper, etc)? Do these types of very old tables make good home tables for serious play, or would the 'little things' different on a classic old table make it not quite as functional as a GC? As a classic car guy I know that can sometimes be the case. :)

I'm also particularly curious about the 'sturdiness' issue and how strong the designs are...looking at the weights on some of the old tables I would think they were sturdy as the rock of gibraltar, but I know sometimes design flaws can overrule sheer weight.



I've been keeping my eyes out for a 5x10 and every one I run across is (of course) a much older model than the usual GC I'm more used to. Any specific info on models like the Streamliner or Commander? Those seem to be the most typical ones that come up.


Hope someone with experience can give some opinions, thanks for your time!
 
I have a brunswick kling 9ft. I think it plays great. I think the T-rails are not an ideal design, but I think most older brunswicks can be made to play good. You may need to get new rubber on them and have the subrails extended to close the pockets

here is a 10ft ...don't know if it's still for sale
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=253353&highlight=kling

the problem with older brunswicks is that the rails need to be recalibrated for modern rubber if you want the dimensions to be right. Or you can put k-55 on them and the playing field will get a little smaller. but i think GC's have the same problem.

the good news is that 10ft's are not that desirable so they usually go a little cheaper than the 9ft ....

good luck.
 
Spider1 said:
Sorry to post a whole thread about this, but didn't see a good place to slide this question in another place:

For the mechanics out there, in general how do you feel about the old pre-Gold Crown Brunswicks? Are there any models to be wary of, due to design issues/sturdiness? Do the really old tables play just as 'well' as a nice GC1 (assuming set up/felt/rails proper, etc)? Do these types of very old tables make good home tables for serious play, or would the 'little things' different on a classic old table make it not quite as functional as a GC? As a classic car guy I know that can sometimes be the case. :)

I'm also particularly curious about the 'sturdiness' issue and how strong the designs are...looking at the weights on some of the old tables I would think they were sturdy as the rock of gibraltar, but I know sometimes design flaws can overrule sheer weight.



I've been keeping my eyes out for a 5x10 and every one I run across is (of course) a much older model than the usual GC I'm more used to. Any specific info on models like the Streamliner or Commander? Those seem to be the most typical ones that come up.


Hope someone with experience can give some opinions, thanks for your time!
Click to expand...

with all due respect, " Pre-Gold Crown " is a pretty broad term....since they've been making tables for so long.

nonetheless, personally, i would avoid the "vintage" tables. streamliner, commander etc. except for the centennial and the anniversary. this is because it was a new era in design and manufacturing for Brunswick, which included using (cheaper than real wood) laminates for the first time. while they are historically significant because of their "new look", they were (generally speaking) also built much less substantial than the pre-depression era tables.

but on the other hand, if you go back too far into the victorian era tables, (pre 1900) some of them are downright dainty. so if you ask me, the tables from about 1910 to about 1930 were built the best, like a brick dung-house.

the bad news is, table specs were indeed slightly different then. (and rails less wide) so, whether its a vintage or antique table doesnt really matter - because either one would need to be altered to play by modern specs. but the bottom line is, a good quality antique can easily be made to play as well as a new table.

The Kling model is great, The Arcade, The Madison, The Alexandria, The Hudson, The Medalist, The Marquette 6 Leg, The Paragon, The Royal....etc
you could park a car on these things
 
This is exactly the sort of info I was looking for, thanks Mr Bond & Matteroner!

I didn't know that the Streamliner/Commander were using laminates, that is great info...I thought they were solid woods. Also thanks for the heads up on the playing field/rail issues, I did not know that either. I've noticed the narrower rails on some models and actually kind of like it, personally (reminds me of narrow snooker rails which are great).


I guess I'll just keep my eyes peeled for the pre-war models, specifically the 6 leg.

the bottom line is, a good quality antique can easily be made to play as well as a new table.
Click to expand...

This is one thing I was hoping to hear. :)


Thanks again both of you, much appreciated!
 
generally speaking, laminates weren't used much for anything other than stuff like doors prior to the 20's. then along comes plastics...and things like formica and melamine and the whole world changed. just prior to, during, and ever since WWII, laminate wood products have permeated and dominated the entire manufacturing world. and brunswick of course is no exception.

now thats not to say that laminates automatically equal junk - because this is not necessarily true. its just that the period during which this 'design revolution' was taking place, also happens to be a period during which "cost cutting" was a primary concern. and we all know what that means. in other words, if brunswick would have had the option of sending their table production overseas in 1940, they probably would have. laminates were a way for them to build cheaper tables, cheaper.
 
Spider1 said:
Sorry to post a whole thread about this, but didn't see a good place to slide this question in another place:

For the mechanics out there, in general how do you feel about the old pre-Gold Crown Brunswicks? Are there any models to be wary of, due to design issues/sturdiness? Do the really old tables play just as 'well' as a nice GC1 (assuming set up/felt/rails proper, etc)? Do these types of very old tables make good home tables for serious play, or would the 'little things' different on a classic old table make it not quite as functional as a GC? As a classic car guy I know that can sometimes be the case. :)

I'm also particularly curious about the 'sturdiness' issue and how strong the designs are...looking at the weights on some of the old tables I would think they were sturdy as the rock of gibraltar, but I know sometimes design flaws can overrule sheer weight.



I've been keeping my eyes out for a 5x10 and every one I run across is (of course) a much older model than the usual GC I'm more used to. Any specific info on models like the Streamliner or Commander? Those seem to be the most typical ones that come up.


Hope someone with experience can give some opinions, thanks for your time!
Click to expand...

I just installed new sub-rails with Brunswick super speed cushions on a Brunswick Kling...I also used the GC spec's on the sub-rails....the table plays like any GC....but looks awesome....pic's are in the main forum under Brunswick Kling
 
As an owner of an Anniversary, and having taken the whole thing apart myself for a restoration, I too can attest to its design/build quality. Many of my friends errantly opted for cheap furniture tables and it is way too evident in how they play. It's like making a decision between buying artificial stone veneer vs natural.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top