For Sale: Brunswick & Balke "Monarch" Billiard Table

The Brunswick & Balke Monarch was manufactured for 26 years, between 1868 and 1894, with this model probably dating in the 1870s/1880s. With a highly decorative design incorporating four black and gold lions and heavily inlaid side panels, this Victorian table is one of the top tables of the period. From an original J. M. Brunswick and Balke Company 1878 catalog:

The Monarch. This magnificent table embodies great solidity and massiveness of construction, with elegance and grace of design. It is very ornamental, the sides being of wood tastefully inlaid with various colored mosaics, and the legs being of iron finished in black and gold. A leveling screw in the center of the feet assists in establishing a perfect level over the entire surface of the table. It is unique in style and a departure from the established idea of a billiard table, and has met with much favor among those of acknowledged taste. Inlaid with California laurel, burl ash, French walnut, birds-eye maple, rosewood, ebony, mahogany and tulipwood.

Serious inquiries can be made to info@rarevictorian.com. Separate cue rack also available.

more photos below

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10 comments

John Hutchinson February 19, 2010

SWEET!!! I have worked on many antique tables, but that is 'over the top.' Appears to have been lovingly restored. John, RVR

Ulysses Dietz March 12, 2010

When we restored the billiard room in our 1885 Ballantine House back in 1992-1994, I desperately wanted a table like this--but we had to settle for a mildly out of date 1900 Brunswick-Balke table that was more beaux-arts in style--because it was a gift from a local family, and because a billiard table restoration company donated heavily to the restoration costs. Ours is not a bad table, but THIS table I could talk about as a work of art!

John Werry March 13, 2010

It's still available as far as I know, Ulysses. It's never too late!

Eric Smith May 7, 2010

I noticed the lower side skirt is missing.I have an 1885 monarch with a lower side and end missing.Are they obtainable?

woodwright May 9, 2010

Erik, I am a proffesional cabinetmaker (26 yrs exp.) and restore antique pool tables. I could reproduce your missing side and end skirts if you have 1 of each that I can use as a pattern. I am familiar with the Brunswick Monarch and the skirts that go on it. You can contact me through the "members" link in the Victorian Forum (you need to be a registered member to see and use the link - it's free and easy to join). I won't post my e-mail or phone number publicly on the web. John - Custom Woodworking & Restorations

Carolynn Sakolsky July 6, 2010

I have one of these rare lion monarch circa 1875. The lions are gold and th woos is light but otherwise looks like the ones I have seen on the internet. What is it worth and how do I sell it? Thanks

woodwright July 6, 2010

Carolyn, I buy, restore and sell antique pool tables. I am in upstate NY. Where are you located? I would like to see your table and talk to you about it. You can contact me @ jkoehn@stny.rr.com . John

woodwright July 16, 2010

FYI: These tables (The Brunswick "Monarch" - w/ the cast iron lion base) have also been reproduced by at least 2 companies that I am aware of - Golden West Billiards, and Adler. A company called Scottsdale Art Factory also pictures one on their website and says they can make one, but they also picture a lot of antiques - pool tables and otherwise with the same claim. I don't know if they've ever made one or not (I'm guessing not). Just like all antiques - there is a big price difference between an antique table in good condition and a reproduction. Buyer beware. woodwright

Brady August 4, 2010

I am yet to find an approximate price range on this table. Could someone help me out with that?

John Werry August 4, 2010

Brady, woodwright told me once that he usually sees $25k-40k restored.

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John Hutchinson February 19, 2010

SWEET!!! I have worked on many antique tables, but that is 'over the top.' Appears to have been lovingly restored. John, RVR
Ulysses Dietz March 12, 2010

When we restored the billiard room in our 1885 Ballantine House back in 1992-1994, I desperately wanted a table like this--but we had to settle for a mildly out of date 1900 Brunswick-Balke table that was more beaux-arts in style--because it was a gift from a local family, and because a billiard table restoration company donated heavily to the restoration costs. Ours is not a bad table, but THIS table I could talk about as a work of art!
John Werry March 13, 2010

It's still available as far as I know, Ulysses. It's never too late!
Eric Smith May 7, 2010

I noticed the lower side skirt is missing.I have an 1885 monarch with a lower side and end missing.Are they obtainable?
woodwright May 9, 2010

Erik, I am a proffesional cabinetmaker (26 yrs exp.) and restore antique pool tables. I could reproduce your missing side and end skirts if you have 1 of each that I can use as a pattern. I am familiar with the Brunswick Monarch and the skirts that go on it. You can contact me through the "members" link in the Victorian Forum (you need to be a registered member to see and use the link - it's free and easy to join). I won't post my e-mail or phone number publicly on the web. John - Custom Woodworking & Restorations
Carolynn Sakolsky July 6, 2010

I have one of these rare lion monarch circa 1875. The lions are gold and th woos is light but otherwise looks like the ones I have seen on the internet. What is it worth and how do I sell it? Thanks
woodwright July 6, 2010

Carolyn, I buy, restore and sell antique pool tables. I am in upstate NY. Where are you located? I would like to see your table and talk to you about it. You can contact me @ jkoehn@stny.rr.com . John
woodwright July 16, 2010

FYI: These tables (The Brunswick "Monarch" - w/ the cast iron lion base) have also been reproduced by at least 2 companies that I am aware of - Golden West Billiards, and Adler. A company called Scottsdale Art Factory also pictures one on their website and says they can make one, but they also picture a lot of antiques - pool tables and otherwise with the same claim. I don't know if they've ever made one or not (I'm guessing not). Just like all antiques - there is a big price difference between an antique table in good condition and a reproduction. Buyer beware. woodwright
Brady August 4, 2010

I am yet to find an approximate price range on this table. Could someone help me out with that?
John Werry August 4, 2010

Brady, woodwright told me once that he usually sees $25k-40k restored.

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