Antique Pool Hidden in Mortuary Basement
Antique billiard tables often present challenges during service, but this job was extraordinary. This Brunswick-Balke Collender pro 8′ pool table was in the basement of a mortuary in Orange, California. The stairs leading to the lower level were barely passable for an average-sized person. Steep, narrow, with a very low ceiling and a tight turn, made it impossible to get the pool table out.
The only available option is the shaft used for lowering coffins down for embalming. The billiard table’s owner informed us this was the way it got to be in the basement, to begin with. He was kind enough to have extra helping hands to get all of the incredibly heavy pieces out safely.
Once the table was out, we transported and set it up in its new location just a few blocks away. We used the existing cloth and the rest of the job went without a hitch.
Hi Dave, I just bought a table exactly like the Mortuary table. This is Brunswick’s antique Wellington Model. However I would like to convert it from a ball return model to drop pockets as shown in your photos. Can you help? Any gotchas? What irons do I use? Any and all info is good info. I wished I lived in your area…I for sure would be a customer. Thx, Jack from Dartmouth, MA
hello jack, yes you can totally convert those pockets. all you need to do is to remove the leather gulley boots which are attached to the leather uppers. you will then need to purchase 6 leather nets, then punch holes in the leather straps on the back portion of each net. later you’ll connect these to the leather uppers. if the uppers need holes then punch holes there too. you can sew, pop rivet or use plastic zip ties to marry the nets to the uppers. easy as pie my man!
thanks for checking out my blog wayyy up in Mass!
Thx, King, but couldn’t I just buy a new set of pockets with correct Irons?
You might be able to find a complete set of leather pockets but just make sure the irons are #5’s. Thanks for your question Jack.
Realize this is way late to the game- but can anybody ballpark the value of a restored Wellington 1910? Thanks!
We unfortunately cannot value tables online. If you are in the Orange County area, please contact us for more information.