Questions about antique pool table

pkmach1

New member
I am trying to help an older neighbor figure out the approximate value of an old pool table she has. I need some help in areas I need to look to make sure it is in ok shape and possibly advice on proper moving of the table if she is able to sell it. Would it be more worthwhile to try and have it restored and sell it or just find someone interested in it as is?

From the plate it is a Brunswick Balke Collender, and from looking online I believe it is a Newport model. Any information someone can give would be a great help. Overall it seems to be in nice shape, with some wear on the finish from actual use.

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9-ball B

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
antique Newport

Yes, It's definitely a Newport. Very nice table,and pretty popular model as well. It's kind of hard to get top dollar for any table right now,but, I have seen these tables in pristine shape go for 9k and a little higher. It will probably run at least $2000-2500 to get it there. You may sell it as is and maybe get $2500,it just might take a while to sell it for that though. If it has accessories that come with it,they might be pretty collectible too. Cue racks,balls,cues,etc. can bring a good buck too. Nice table,and good luck with whatever you do with it.
 

Oregonmeds

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've been doing a lot of table shopping these past couple years online and I've seen a few of those. They are really nice tables, but like 9-ball said tables aren't fetching decent prices these days as the market is flooded with them, not to mention many people have and still are needing to just dump them cheap because of loosing their homes or downsizing to smaller homes or apartments or whatever. I don't even want to tell you how cheap I've seen one of those sell for lately, it would break your heart and make you think it's not even worth moving or saving which it is, it is an antique for sure.

If you held on to that table and refinished it perfectly, and then the economy turned back around and things had the same value as they did before, and the glut of used tables finally dried up and demand for more tables came back you would be looking at what 9-ball said maybe 9k or so tops. But in the reality of todays economy and considering all the competition out there, and that this isn't really rare or anything I think even refinished you'd have a hard time getting 2.5k. Most of those era or similar tables that I've seen in my area that have actually been *selling* and didn't end up relisted forever sold for around 1k or less. The cheapest of which sold for less than it would cost to just have it moved.

If it were me, I'd take it apart and store it carefully somewhere until it had real value again, if you must take it apart and move it. And make a project of refinishing it in your spare time just as a future potential investment.

Right now it's value is at it's all time lowest, so why sell it if you don't have too...
It also wouldn't pay to have someone refinish it now just to sell it in this market when you'll have a hard time even selling it as is.

If you contact classicbilliards.net they can probably find you a manual for that or a similar table to see how it comes apart. I think the rails bolt from the sides, those trim bobbles probably hide some bolts which you may need a special tool for again from classicbilliards, then once you get the cloth off you have to dig out the filled screw holes in the slate to get to some more screws and just start taking it apart one screw at a time. It gets obvious once you're past the rails off and cloth off part, and get the screw holes uncovered. I have no idea if it's 1 2 or 3 piece slate but it will be very heavy that's for sure.

Those slates are drilled vertically from the top and also through the sides for the rails and you have to be careful handling them and working on them. Be sure not to overtighten anything if you are reassembling it later.

Once you see the bolts holding on the side rails you may be able to make your own tool up to take them apart, it'll be clear what you need to unscrew them once you see the bolts.

Here are what they look like restored, not really that different from that one at all. That's in really good shape other than the wear on the rail tops, which anyone could fix up as a diy project fairly easily if motivated enough. Wouldn't require a professional, or a lot of money, if you couldn't afford to invest in a pro to do it.
http://www.billiardrestoration.com/Antique-Pool-Tables/newport.htm
 
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Dartman

Well-known member
Silver Member
Just from the pics that table looks to be in very good condition. Assuming the slate is ok it most likely needs new rubber. The rail bolts mount thru the sides - after removing the decorative bolt covers you use a forkbit tool or needlenose pliers with a crescent wrench to remove the rail bolts. Pockets are #3 irons. Once the rails are off the rest of the disassembly is simple. The slates should be pinned so they should be slid apart horizontally and not lifted until separated.

As mentioned, we're in a buyers market so doubtful that the table would fetch true value right now. As is you might get 3000-4500 from someone that just had to have it. There's 2 on eBay now listed as Buy It Now for $5500 and $12,500 - and doubt either will sell that way. If it was me I'd list it as an auction and start it at around $2600 with a reserve price - and be happy to get $3500.

If you have any antique places nearby you might be able to move it there and setup on consignment just to get it out of the house.
 

Mr. Bond

Orbis Non Sufficit
Gold Member
Silver Member
i had the opportunity to buy a newport model a few years back, but there was a slight problem with it. the previous owner couldnt get the frame pieces to fit thru his door, (i still dont understand how that is possible) so he very literally cut the table in half....

i would have cried had i not been laughing so hard...


the newport is a "mid-grade" table. not the cheapest, not the most expensive. but it is nice. in my opinion, if you absolutely have to sell it, and it is in playable condition right now, then dont spend any more on repairs. you will be forced to price yourself out of the market just to cover your expenses.

if you can wait to sell it, you should. that table restored well, in a good market will fetch decent money.
 
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