Old (?) Burroughes and Watts Table

[joshuanwardle]

Hi, I've just taken ownership of a Burroughes and Watts table and wonder if anyone knows anything about these old tables?

The plaque at the end of the table says it's a "patent "Eureka Groove" Extra Low Fast Cushions model, by special appointment to his majesty King Edward VII".

If anyone can tell me anything about this I'd be really interested.

Thanks,
David

[jrc750]

100-uper is the master of old stuff, hopefully he will comment at some time
Are there any other plaques at all ?? as that could be just the cushions and not the table ??
Any pics to share

[lesedwards]

Yes would love to see some pics. I just had one installed a month ago, mine they figure was built in the late 20's. Just an awesome table. Geoff Large also knows a lot about these tables.

[philip in china]

I also have a B & W. The problem is that "in an early attempt at European unification" the luftwaffe bombed the B & W works flat so there are no records.

Pictures would help.

Yes, they are fantastic tables!

[lesedwards]

I also have a B & W. The problem is that "in an early attempt at European unification" the luftwaffe bombed the B & W works flat so there are no records.

Pictures would help.

Yes, they are fantastic tables!

Here is a photo of mine.

[100-uper]

Hi, I've just taken ownership of a Burroughes and Watts table and wonder if anyone knows anything about these old tables?

The plaque at the end of the table says it's a "patent "Eureka Groove" Extra Low Fast Cushions model, by special appointment to his majesty King Edward VII".

If anyone can tell me anything about this I'd be really interested.

Thanks,
David

I'm not sure I can tell you much about this table, especially without any photos. Burroughes & Watts were probably the most prolific billiard table manufacturer in England, operating from 1836 to 1967, so there are plenty of their tables about. Assuming that the plate you have referenced is contemporary with the table, it was made between 1901 and 1910, (which was the reign of Edward VII), and corresponds with the height of the company's fame.

The "Patent Eureka Groove Extra Low Fast Cushions" first appears about 1896 and seems to have been the standard fitting, with the better (more expensive) alternative being the "Patent Eureka Steel Block Vacuum Cushion" which was invented around the same time. I assume the plate looks something like the one below:






There were many different models of table to which this plate could have been attached, and a photo of the leg would be needed to identify the exact one.

[joshuanwardle]

Here are a few pictures...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/106160565@N06/

[philip in china]

I am no snookologist but that could be a photo of my table! The tapered square legs and the "Rigidus" patent frame- with the legs unevenly spaced. I would put it between the wars. You have got yourself a good table. Take care of it and it will last for generations.

Some photos of my table on "The Snooker Lounge" thread.

[joshuanwardle]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback so far. I've attached pictures below.

Dave



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[joshuanwardle]

Pictures of the B&W "Soho" table, circa 1910

Looking up online I believe my table is the "Soho" model manufactured between 1910 and 1913. Thought you might be interested in seeing some pictures. Can't wait to get the snooker room built!

[lesedwards]

Nice looking table, looks much like mine except with turned legs and by the looks of your rails they are wood where mine are steel,

[philip in china]

I can't tell from the perspective- are the legs evenly spaced or are the middle ones grouped closer- so as to put them under the slate joint?

Looking up online I believe my table is the "Soho" model manufactured between 1910 and 1913. Thought you might be interested in seeing some pictures. Can't wait to get the snooker room built!

[100-uper]

Looking up online I believe my table is the "Soho" model manufactured between 1910 and 1913.

The table is indeed the Burroughes & Watts "Soho" model. I'm not sure exactly when they started producing this model, but have traced it back with certainty to 1906, and it could well be earlier. They also continued with the design after the war, although these later ones tend to have a "Rigidus" frame (which this one doesn't.) If you link this information to that on the maker's plate, you come up with a date between 1906 and 1910. Certainly no older, and maybe a bit earlier.

[840aj]

I've just bought some steel block cushions on ebay. The guy said they are B&Watts. Unfortunately he didn't have the bolts to fasten the cushion to the freeze. I've managed to find 3/8 and 5/16 bolts in UNC and UNF threads but the 3/8 are too big and 5/16 too small. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[lesedwards]

I've just bought some steel block cushions on ebay. The guy said they are B&Watts. Unfortunately he didn't have the bolts to fasten the cushion to the freeze. I've managed to find 3/8 and 5/16 bolts in UNC and UNF threads but the 3/8 are too big and 5/16 too small. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I would check with Geoff Large. I actually should have contacted Geoff as I am missing a few but does not really hurt anything. I went all over the place looking and could not find anything that would work. Good Luck and let me know how you make out.