I think there has never been a strict standard on pocket size for pool tables. There seems to be no record of pocket sizes for any tournament I've seen prior to very recent tournaments.
The current WPA pocket specs are 4.5 to 4.625 inches. The BCA has a separate spec for "recreational" tables that is 4 1/8 to 5 1/8.
Thanks, both. From the small amount of footage from that time, the pockets certainly didn't look that small. Similarly, during Crane's 150 and out in 1966, the pockets looked generous but not cavernous.I agree those pocket numbers are suspicious. Perhaps he was exaggerating. I haven't seen anything to suggest that the old championship tables had 4 inch pockets. Based on how 14.1 has always been played with the need to cheat the pockets for position, that seems unlikely.