This page offers some, do's and don'ts, and qualities to look for when purchasing an antique pool table. 

The process of bringing a table to market begins with finding tables with minimal distress. Distress is part of the use and abuse the table has had over the years.

Small dents and dings become part of the character.

Normal use will wear the Cushions, Cloth and rail liners with the original finish breaking down over time. These are replaced during restoration.

Abuse is distress that comes from people rounding their Cue tips on the sides of the table, therefore denting it. Other abuse is from improperly moving the table from location to location over the years damaging slates and table components.

Abuse from cigar burns or delaminating of the Rosewood rail tops results in replacement of the Rosewood veneers and Ivory sights, a common process.

Key points of the restoration process.

The Frame

The frame of the table is stripped of it old finish then any repairs to the veneers are done. When repairing the veneer I use woods that match the originals. Matching woods from years past is a very hard  process.

The frame is then sanded to 220 grit and stained often with dye base stains to original factory shade and color. These dye based stains, as originally used, are able to secure a stable color and not break down under ultra violet rays.

All tables then receive a Hand rubbed semi gloss lacquer finish.

The interior of the frame is painted to the original color for the period. 1880 tables were black, rust color in the 1890s and gray in the teens. This Saratoga model is a 1890s design.

Rails

Rosewood, Ivory sights and Rail Liners are replaced on most every table I restore. The rail tops are veneered with Brazilian Rosewood then Ivory is cut for sights as originally done in the factory.

Rail Liners are the milled strips on the inside of the rails that the Cushions are glued to. Over  years tacks, staples and play deteriorate and often loosen them, when loose they must be replaced for proper play.

Before

Liners 

Brunswick Superspeed cushions are applied

Then covered with Simonis 860 Belgium cloth.

Slates

The slates are checked for stripped barrel nuts which are replaced as necessary. These are the nuts that secure the rails in place. Then the slates are secured to their frames, pocket drops repaired or replaced and any scratches to the slates are filled or if necessary the slates are resurfaced to ensure perfect play.

Assembly and photographs

The table is then assembled and photographed in the shop for the customers approval prior to delivery.

Delivery and set up

All tables are blanket wrapped delivered and set up by myself, Lou Marschak.

What not to do!

Marriages are made in heaven others in Garages and Work Shops

A Marriage in the Antique Business is when a piece of an item whether it is a chest of drawers a tractor or a pool table is missing and rather than properly replacing it, a piece from another item is used. What you end up with is two halves, often with incorrect wood types, wrong style, period or vintage. Of the tables I've looked at many were missing legs, slates, rails or have had pieces poorly replaced over the years.

Don't spend your money on one of these. When you buy  a table ask what is new and stick away from marriages and other appliqués that are used to enhance appearance. Stay with what was original to the table.