For many years
Heiron & Smith have been acknowledged
as one of the World's pre-eminent manufacturers
of billiard tables.
Like Heiron & Smith, most firms making
up this small select group began manufacturing during
the 19th century. Today some of the earlier tables
made by these companies have become highly regarded
as antique collector's items.
From time to time we are fortunate enough to have
earlier tables from one of these manufacturers for
sale on our showroom floor. Some recent examples
follow:
Thurston &
Co. |
A
superb example of the craftsmanship of Thurston
& Co. of London,
probably manufactured
during the 1870's. Framework show timbers
in vivid flame mahogany; with heavily hand
carved legs.
John Thurston established the firm of Thurston
& Co., in 1799 and became the first truly
specialized billiard table manufacturer. Thurstons
provided tables for English sovereigns, George
IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. (Interestingly,
in 1990 Heiron & Smith were commissioned
to offer for sale a Thurston table which had
actually been owned formerly by Queen Victoria)
|
The Duke of Edinburgh Table
|
"Duke of Edinburgh" model billiard
table by Alcock & Co. of Melbourne,
manufactured during the 1870's. Framework
of Australian cedar; show timbers in magnificent
figured blackwood.
Henry Upton Alcock commenced manufacturing billiard tables in Melbourne Australia, in 1853.
The prototype model of this table was presented
to the then Duke of Edinburgh (Alfred, second
son of Queen Victoria) during his visit to
the Colonies of Australasia 1867-1868. |
| A "Brassey"
model billiard table by Heiron & Smith,
manufactured during the later years of the
nineteenth century and featuring rich hand
carved legs. Timbers are Australian blackwood
throughout. |
The Heiron &
Smith Brassey |
Antique Billiard Accessories
These pre-eminent billiards firms
also manufactured side furniture pieces for the
billiard room. Some of these pieces have also become
highly sought after in their own right. Antique
scoring devices and cue stands have been particularly
attractive in this regard.
Chiffoniere and
Marking Board. |
A
combination chiffoniere, pool money receiver
and marking board by Alcock & Co. of Melbourne.
This superbly made piece was usually constructed
from Australian cedar and blackwood, often
with vivid figuring on the facing timbers.
They were manufactured approximately 1870-1920. |
Revolving Cue Stand |
A
revolving cue stand, accommodating 21 cues
and long tackle. These stands were typically
made from Australian blackwood.
The example shown features fine Canterbury
fluting in the vertical poles and clips for
the cues with rollers made from bone. Such stands were
made throughout the latter half of the nineteenth
century and in the earlier years of the twentieth. |
If
you are interested in acquiring an antique billiard table
or earlier side furniture pieces, do not hesitate
to contact us.
We will inform you as to the items available
at the time.
Or, if you already possess such
items and restoration is required,
we may be able to assist:
Click
here for Restoration
Click
here for Repairs
|
