What is the Oldest Pool Table? How Much are Antique Pool Tables Worth?

The earliest known billiard-type table dates back to 1470 in France. In an inventory of King Louis XI‘s possessions, there is reference to a "bed of stone" used for playing an early form of billiards or pool. While the exact age of the oldest surviving pool table today is unknown, this over 550 year old record shows billiards has been enjoyed for centuries.

Antique pool tables from the late 1800s into the early 1900s can be valuable collector‘s items and desired furnishings for rec rooms today. But what makes an antique table worth the premium pricing? And how much do genuine antique pool tables sell for? Let‘s explore the history, styles, and values of old pool tables in this guide for billiards enthusiasts and antique shoppers.

Billiards Tables Through History

Billiards type games originated in Europe, with early references dating back to the 1300s. The tables were simple rectangles bounded by wooden planks. Players used sticks called maces to strike balls across these flat playing surfaces.

By the 1500s, billiards had spread across much of Europe. Tables evolved to include cushioned banks covered in cloth to help contain the balls. While still primarily an indoor pastime of aristocracy and royalty, billiards parlors eventually opened for the public.

In the 1600s, tables with pockets or holes started to emerge but were intended more as hazards than targets. The various billiard games played on these early tables bear little resemblance to modern pool.

By the mid-1800s, we begin to see the convergence of the 6-pocket American pool table:

• 1845 – American billiard table maker Brunswick is founded, soon to become the leading manufacturer.

• 1850 – American tables feature green cloth over slate beds with leather pocket openings.

• 1875 – Billiard balls switch from ivory to celluloid, permitting mass production.

• 1878 – Straight rail rubber cushions are patented, increasing ball control.

• 1884 – The rulebook for modern billiards is published, standardizing the game.

• 1900 – Tournament dimensions become standardized at about 9×4.5 feet playing area.

So while billiards evolved over many centuries, the antique pool table would be most familiar to players from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Now let‘s examine how these vintage tables were constructed.

Antique Pool Table Materials and Construction

Like most quality furniture of the era, antique pool tables were handcrafted, often with custom designs. Here are some typical features that distinguish them from modern production tables:

• Slate Bed – Multi-piece slate was carefully matched and leveled over a fitted wood frame. Single piece slate was highest quality but very heavy and expensive.

• Wood Cabinet – Ornate and detailed woodwork. Mortise and tenon joinery rather than screws. Thick, dense hardwoods like mahogany used for trim and legs.

• Leather Pockets – Pocket openings lined with high quality leather. Bronze and copper often used on rails and trim.

• Woolen Cloth – Fine woolen billiard cloth tightly stretched and tacked over slate bed. Often green but colors like red and blue also used.

• Cushions – Horsehair, wool, or natural rubber for cushions. Allowed more custom speeds and rebound control.

• Accents – Mother of pearl and abalone inlaid into woodwork. Carved claw feet. Cast metal number plates.

• Finishes – Multi-step hand staining/sealing process. Faux woodgraining and hand painting.

These materials and craftsmanship resulted in exceptional quality and durability, enabling the tables to survive 100+ years. Let‘s look at some dollar values.

How Much are Antique Pool Tables Worth?

There is a wide spectrum of pricing for antique pool tables:

• Rough condition, needs full restoration – $500 to $2,000

• Working vintage table, replaced parts – $2,000 to $5,000

• Good condition standard table and size – $5,000 to $12,000

• Mint condition, full original components – $12,000 to $20,000

• Rare size, style, celebrity owned – $20,000 to $60,000

• Investment quality showpiece – $60,000 to $150,000+

What makes the pricing vary so much? Here are key factors:

• Age – Over 100 years old is essential. The older the better.

• Condition – All original parts? Replacement slate and cloth impacts value.

• Rarity – One of a kind? Owned by someone famous? Limited production?

• Quality – Superior materials, craftsmanship, detailing increase worth.

• Brand – Brunswick, Schmidt, Noll command premiums among collectors.

• Desirability – Ornate styles like Victorian and Art Deco command higher prices.

Let‘s examine some desirable antique table manufacturers in more depth.

Notable Antique Pool Table Brands

Some prominent makers of antique billiard tables include:

Brunswick

Founded in 1845, Brunswick became the leading American billiard table maker by the early 1900s. Their antique pool tables are highly prized by collectors today. Key notes:

• Produced very high quality ornate tables, advancing billiards table design.

• Early tables featured detailed woodwork, artful metalwork, and fine detailing.

• Innovations like the "Monarch" quick-acting foldaway table propelled Brunswick‘s popularity.

• Brand commands premium prices for antique tables in good condition. Values from $8,000 into the $100,000s.

A.E. Schmidt

New York based company operated from 1887 to 1953. Handcrafted custom made tables for wealthy clients. Known attributes:

• Made high-end tables for estates, private clubs, and steamships like the Titanic.

• Retailed for the equivalent of $10,000 up to $38,000 in today‘s dollars.

• Ornate woods like mahogany used along with etched glass and elaborate carvings.

• Their antique tables can sell for well over $100,000 today.

Noll Billiards

Founded by German immigrant William Noll in 1873. Based in New York, operated until 1950s. Key facts:

• Produced very fine handcrafted tables, competing with Brunswick for quality.

• Typical Noll table sold for equivalent of $1,700 in early 1900s, when average income was under $700 a year.

• Noll‘s antique tables sell today starting around $15,000 into the $60,000+ range.

Lion Billiard Table Co.

Brooklyn company started in 1889, sold to Brunswick in 1905. Notes:

• Made high end ornamental tables for wealthy estate owners and private clubs.

• Antique Lions often auction for $8,000 to $25,000 based on condition and styling.

There are many other makers like Spalding, Riley, and more. But Brunswick, Schmidt, Noll, and Lion made some of the most prized and pricey antique tables found today.

Constructing and Moving Antique Pool Tables

Part of the value in an antique pool table is the craftsmanship and materials used in their construction. Here are some insights into how they were engineered:

• Slate – Critical for a perfectly flat playing surface. Single piece is ideal but costly. Multi-piece slate was carefully matched and leveled over wood backing. Slate thickness determined table weight.

• Joints – Mortise and tenon joinery created durable, tight joints in frame and legs before modern hardware. Rails often attached with dowels rather than screws.

• Pockets – Leather often used to line pocket openings. Easier to replace than entire rails when worn. Bronze, copper, bone were common pocket trim.

• Cloth Installation – Woolen cloth stretched tightly across slate and tacked down rather than stapled. Created consistent ball roll and rebound.

• Cushions – Horsehair, wool, natural rubber were common cushion materials, offeringtuning of ball rebound.

• Leveling – Loose-thread levelers under legs allowed taller ones to be screwed down to level the slate.

• Finish – Multiple coats of shellac, varnish, and hand rubbing created glass-smooth finishes. Faux woodgraining added depth.

Moving these older slate-bed tables was also very challenging:

• Weigh often 800 to 1500+ pounds depending on slate thickness and size.

• Had to be partially dismantled and loaded onto specialized dollies due to weight.

• Narrow doorways or staircases prevented passage to upper floors in some homes.

• Expert handling required to prevent damage to legs, slate, wooden rails.

Owning a quality antique pool table required not just wealth, but the space to house it once installed!

Preserving and Maintaining Antique Tables

Looking after an antique pool table requires some special care and preservation:

• Storage – Should be in a temperature and humidity controlled room if not used often. Cover table when stored.

• Chalk – Use only high quality hand crafted billiard chalk to avoid abrasion or color stains on cloth.

• Spills – Immediately absorb wet spills on cloth with a clean white towel. Avoid iron staining of cloth.

• Brushing – Frequent light brushing preserves cloth. Raises nap and removes settling dust. Rotate direction often.

• Covers – Use a fitted vinyl table cover when not in use. Avoid laying on cloth or exposing to direct sunlight.

• Moisture – Control room humidity between 45-60% to avoid slate cracking or warping of wood.

• Leveling – Periodically check table level and make minor adjustments as needed.

With care and minimal use, an antique pool table can provide generations of play. But restoring one entails considerable investments we‘ll look at next.

Costs of Refurbishing Antique Tables

Bringing an antique pool table back to original playing condition is costly but worthwhile for a quality table. Some typical expenses:

• Re-felting – $700 to $1,200 depending on size. Involves expert removal of old cloth and proper stretching and tacking of new woolen billiard cloth.

• New rubber cushions – $450 to $850 for quality natural gum rubber on six rails. Enhances ball response.

• Slate replacement – $3,000 to $6,000+ to source, cut, and install new three-piece slate. Vital if original is cracked or warped.

• Rails/pockets – $400 to $800 to repair damaged rails or replace worn pocket leathers.

• Refinishing – $900 to $2,000 for stripping, stain matching, re-staining, and refinishing rails and cabinet.

• Transport – $600 to $1,000 for professional packing, moving, and setup.

Total refurbishment – Upwards of $5,000 to $10,000 for a full restoration performed properly.

While not inexpensive, restoring an antique pool table preserves both history and a valuable collectible. The finished product will provide many more years of enjoyment and potentially grow in value over time.

Owning a Piece of History

For pool enthusiasts, owning an antique table is owning a piece of history. Knowing players way back in the 1800s made similar shots on early versions of your table makes the experience even more special.

From the 1400s through today, billiards has been an engaging sport combining skill, strategy, and friendly competition. That rich history is embodied in the craftsmanship of antique pool tables.

With proper care and restoration, these vintage tables can be cherished for generations to come. So for both artistic furnishing and playing pleasure, be sure to examine and value antique pool tables based on their origins and condition. Because with their rarity, quality, and heritage – the price is justifiable for the right unique table.