Ashcroft - looking for historical info on my table

[Tmjporter]

First time posting and I hope I’ve hit the mark for a relevant post for this forum. I have an Ashcroft Regency (I think) that has been in our family for some time (50 years). It’s number 793 and I’d like to find out more about its history. Is there a database for old Ashcroft tables?

Thanks in Advance
Trevor

[DeanH]

Trevor, welcome to TSF

"Is there a database for old Ashcroft tables?" - oh I so wish

Most pre-WW2 information was lost and hardly anything post war is known. so cross-fingers for anything popping up

I think that one of our tables at the club is a late 1800s-early-1900s Ashcroft which until recently still had the exposed pocket plates.

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[100-uper]

You will need to post some photos, particularly the maker's nameplate, table leg and pocket design. This will allow a better assessment.

[Tmjporter]

Thanks for responding. I'm very happy to have found the forum!

Photos here - https://imgur.com/a/Z1HmzZA

Appreciate anything you can contribute!

As for history, the table was shipped from England to Twillingate, Newfoundland (Canada, now) for use in a Masonic Lodge there. My father bought it from the Lodge in the early 70s and it was in my parents' house until last week when I relocated it to my cottage. I'd love to know its age, materials it is made from, etc. All original I think, except for rubber and cushion.

Thanks again!

Trevor

[DeanH]

love the pocket tassels!
should have them at the Crucible!

100-uper should be able to narrow the time line down with the 2 awards noted :cross-fingers:

[100-uper]

The table plate design fits into a sequence which would put it as Edwardian in manufacture (c.1910), as would the overall design of the table, so I'd be fairly confident in that attribution. I'm not an expert on woods, but mahogany would be the most common choice for Ashcroft at this time.

[Tmjporter]

Thank you so much. This fits with the timeline of the lodge as well. I’m trying to get the original receipt or shipping papers which may or may not exist. I had the table put together by a local professional. Photos of any interest?

[Secret_oath]

Please do continue with the photos

[Tmjporter]

Here are some photos of the assembly and a couple of the slates. Transporting it was, errr, challenging.

The guy in the photo who put the table together did an excellent job. I think it's the first time it has been level since I've known it!

https://imgur.com/a/9C0DE4H

[DeanH]

Here are some photos of the assembly and a couple of the slates. Transporting it was, errr, challenging.

The guy in the photo who put the table together did an excellent job. I think it's the first time it has been level since I've known it!

https://imgur.com/a/9C0DE4H

ALWAYS photos

great to see

only three slates? or 5?

[Tmjporter]

Glad you like them! 5 super heavy slates. About 350 lbs each. There was all my truck could safely take at a time!

[DeanH]

glad you like them! 5 super heavy slates. About 350 lbs each. There was all my truck could safely take at a time!

lol!
......

[mikee]

Very nice table ,but if you don’t mind me saying it’s not a very clean and neat job that the fitter did round the pocket s with the staples ,very wrinkled ,also it’s a No no on stapling the main bed cloth ,it’s supposed to be lightly fitted underneath with tacks so when you have a cloth stretch the tacks can be pulled out easy .Too be fair though most fitters across the pond don’t do many snooker tables and fitting is done more like pool tables .A nice cream set of pocket leathers fitted to size would make the table look very nice ,the quality of the wood and slates looks great ,those old tables will last forever .

[Danger Steve]

How NOT to fit bed cloth.. Staples! And why has he stretched and fixed the length before cutting and stretching the middle pockets? This guy clearly has no idea how to fit snooker cloth lol.

[mikee]

Yes Steve ,that is very true ,I was trying to be a little diplomatic in my previous post regarding the table fitting ,but it’s terrible .