Dating the production year(s) of Brunswicks Centennial Pool Tables (and Anniversarys)?

[Answers]

I'm looking for 1940's thru 1950's Brunswick Billiards Equipment and
Supplies or other print media from that period as a means of identifying
makes and models and years of production for their Centennial pool tables .
Due to a major fire at Brunswick's central facility several years ago many
of the old records were destroyed. Today, information from Brunswick central
is a little sketchy. According to them the Centennial was only produced for
four years from 1943 until 1946. On the other hand the Centennial model was
apparently still being offered for sale in their 1958/59 catalogue which
begs the question: how come the table was still being sold nearly fifteen
years after production allegedly ended? Of course, it's possible that they
produced enough inventory in those four years to continue selling the table
for the next decade but somehow that seems a little unlikely. Furthermore
there are some who feel that the name 'Centennial' was chosen as a means to
market this particular design because it's first year of production
corresponded with the company's one hundredth anniversary (Balk Collender
Company was founded in 1845). That would make the Centennials first year
of production 1945 - not 1943.


So far I've been able to get a Xeroxed copy of the 1946 catalogue from
billiardartwork.com. The Centennial table is prominently featured in this
catalogue while the Anniversary model is conspicuously absent. It would be
great to find copies or originals of earlier catalogue editions dating to
1943 if possible. That may be one of the few ways left to confirm the birth
date of the first Centennials. It would also be useful to know when the
first Anniversary models were produced? I still haven't been able to
determine definitively if the Anniversary's were production was concurrent
with the Centennials or if they came later. It does seem that the choice of
names for these two lines co-relates in some way to the company's one
hundredth birthday. It's also conceivable that the Anniversary models with
a less decorative aluminum facade of the Centennial were sold as a lower end
version as for all intents and purposes aside from facades the two tables
are fundamentally similar in construction.

Any help in this matter would be appreciated.

Answers

[dalecue]

Billiards Memorabilia
Answers wrote in message ...

Post by Answers
I'm looking for 1940's thru 1950's Brunswick Billiards Equipment and
Supplies or other print media from that period as a means of identifying
makes and models and years of production for their Centennial pool tables

FWIW - Mosconi's first book "On Pocket Billiards"<none to many as
'the little red book'> has many pics showing the Centennial - they are
ment to show various aspects of play, shots, stance, etc - do they don't
emphasize the table, but it is there for all to see, sorta
the book appears regularly on eBay, usually going for a few bucks
look in Billiards Memorabilia

HTH
Dale

Post by Answers
Due to a major fire at Brunswick's central facility several years ago many
of the old records were destroyed. Today, information from Brunswick central
is a little sketchy. According to them the Centennial was only produced for
four years from 1943 until 1946. On the other hand the Centennial model was
apparently still being offered for sale in their 1958/59 catalogue which
begs the question: how come the table was still being sold nearly fifteen
years after production allegedly ended? Of course, it's possible that they
produced enough inventory in those four years to continue selling the table
for the next decade but somehow that seems a little unlikely. Furthermore
there are some who feel that the name 'Centennial' was chosen as a means to
market this particular design because it's first year of production
corresponded with the company's one hundredth anniversary (Balk Collender
Company was founded in 1845). That would make the Centennials first year
of production 1945 - not 1943.
So far I've been able to get a Xeroxed copy of the 1946 catalogue from
billiardartwork.com. The Centennial table is prominently featured in this
catalogue while the Anniversary model is conspicuously absent. It would be
great to find copies or originals of earlier catalogue editions dating to
1943 if possible. That may be one of the few ways left to confirm the birth
date of the first Centennials. It would also be useful to know when the
first Anniversary models were produced? I still haven't been able to
determine definitively if the Anniversary's were production was concurrent
with the Centennials or if they came later. It does seem that the choice of
names for these two lines co-relates in some way to the company's one
hundredth birthday. It's also conceivable that the Anniversary models with
a less decorative aluminum facade of the Centennial were sold as a lower end
version as for all intents and purposes aside from facades the two tables
are fundamentally similar in construction.
Any help in this matter would be appreciated.
Answers

[Answers]

Post by dalecue
FWIW - Mosconi's first book "On Pocket Billiards"<none to many as
'the little red book'> has many pics showing the Centennial - they are
ment to show various aspects of play, shots, stance, etc - do they don't
emphasize the table, but it is there for all to see, sorta
the book appears regularly on eBay, usually going for a few bucks
look in Billiards Memorabilia
HTH
Dale

Dale, there is a reprint edition of "On Pocket Billiards" available from
Amazon.com. Is this the book you're referring to?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0517884283/102-1833128-0472968?v=glance

[Answers]

From the Brunswick site:

"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "

.........................................................................................

Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.

It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.


Sure would be fun to have a look inside this old treasure:


Loading Image...


This next one might also answer the question and is one of several that I
found available on line at billiardsartwork.com:

Loading Image...

[Roger Orsulak]

My understanding is that the Anniversary was first produced in the '30s.
Roger

Post by Answers
"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "
.........................................................................................
Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.
It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_1.jpg
This next one might also answer the question and is one of several that I
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_2.jpg

[dalecue]

Roger Orsulak wrote in message ...

Post by Roger Orsulak
My understanding is that the Anniversary was first produced in the '30s.
Roger

FWIW - '45 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick
I always assumed 1945 was the first year of production
Answers seems to have indication of 1943

but def no Anniversary in the 30s
the first ever 'flat-rail' table built by Brubswik was the 'Moderine' in1939

HTH
Dale

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "

............................................................................
.............

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.
It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_1.jpg
This next one might also answer the question and is one of several that I
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_2.jpg

[Roger Orsulak]

Dale:

I understand that 1945 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick. Hence, it
always made sense to me too that this was the year that they introduced the
"Centennial" (=100). There is nothing that precludes the "Anniversary"
table from having been made in the 30s. I have seen several versions of the
Anniversary over the years, from what appeared to be maple rails, to the
rosewood formica models. Unlike the Centennial, the Anniversary model
spanned a number of years - thought going back to the 30s.

Al Conte. Do you have any recollection of when the Anniversary was
introduced?

Dale: What is a "flat-rail" table?

Regards,
Roger - delete "no" if replying by email.

Post by dalecue
Roger Orsulak wrote in message ...

Post by Roger Orsulak
My understanding is that the Anniversary was first produced in the '30s.
Roger

FWIW - '45 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick
I always assumed 1945 was the first year of production
Answers seems to have indication of 1943
but def no Anniversary in the 30s
the first ever 'flat-rail' table built by Brubswik was the 'Moderine' in1939
HTH
Dale

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "

............................................................................
.............

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.
It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_1.jpg
This next one might also answer the question and is one of several that I
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_2.jpg

[Answers]

There are other reasons to imagine that the Centennial and/or Anniversary
models didn't come along until 1945. For one thing that was the year WW II
ended. Prior to that time Brunswick's factory was largely if not entirely
devoted to war production. 1945 may well have been the first year that they
could refocus themselves on their commercial pool table business. Consider
the use of aluminum corner castings on the Anniversary, Centennial and
Moderne. The Centennial is virtually dripping with aluminum - a precious
commodity during the war years and not one that was freely accessible for
commercial use.


The 'Moderne' is featured on page two of the 1946 Brunswick Billiard
Equipment & Supplies catalogue. Here's a blurb I've excerpted:

"Master craftsmanship and styling make the Moderne a supreme achievement in
a medium-priced table

For the room owner who stresses the streamlined note, the Moderne with its
up-to-the minute styling is sure to prove an unexcelled profit-builder. Its
smooth flowing curves were designed to combine attractiveness with utmost
utility.

Your players will like the firm support and good looks of the four tear-drop
shaped legs. They'll find the fresh look of the bleached mahogany finish
stimulating. Molded pocket pads are set in natural finish aluminum corner
castings. And the bridge rack and roomy ball rack have their own appeal in
eliminating tiresome bending.

Notice too, how the legs of the Moderne are set back out of the player's
way. Imagine the playing comfort those smartly sloped aprons will bring to
your customers. You'll like the Moderne. Over 100 years of Brunswick
experience stand behind its craftsmanship and styling."

........................................

The 1946 catalogue goes on to describe several 'new' features of the
Centennial (and Moderne) including 'Rail Construction', 'New Type Pocket(s)'
and 'Table Apron':

"Rail construction makes tables stronger and easier to maintain.

The new Brunswick Billiard Tables have a new type rail construction which
makes table stronger and far easier to maintain. The rail is fastened
securely to the slate by means of a bolt through the bottom of the table, up
through the slate and into the rail. Rail bolts are accessible for
tightening. Vibration is eliminated, meaning more accurate shots.

New type pocket and pad are made in one assembly for quick replacement.
Pocket irons are eliminated. The corner pockets are hidden from view to
carry out the streamline appearance. (The word 'new' is used several times
here. The 'new' pockets are 'hidden' in the 'streamlined' aluminum corner
castings.)

Table Apron has a new streamlined sloping design, superior to vertical
design of previous aprons. Players are more ate ease when making difficult
shots, because the pressure of the body on the apron is minimized."
-----------------------------------

Bob Bebb of REBCO has been in the table restoration business for decades.
He's worked on many old Centennial and Anniversary tables. He seems to
believe that they were both manufactured starting in 1945 and both in
continued production through most of the 1950's. He bases some of this
observation of the fact that these two models were still being featured in
the Brunswick catalogues until the late 1950's. However, it's possible that
Brunswick only produced the Centennial for a handful of years and spent some
of the decade of the 50's selling off back inventory.

I've sent an email to Mike Shamos (keeper of the Billiards Archive)
regarding a few of these issues. I'm assuming that based on his prodigious
collection of billiards memorabilia and billiards lore he may have the
definitive answers to most of these questions. Meanwhile, I'm ordering a
copy of the 1945 Brunswick catalogue as well as the 1958/59 catalogue to see
what kind of spread they gave the Centennial and Anniversary tables. Going
to get to the bottom of this one way or another.

Answers

Post by Roger Orsulak
I understand that 1945 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick. Hence, it
always made sense to me too that this was the year that they introduced
the "Centennial" (=100). There is nothing that precludes the
"Anniversary" table from having been made in the 30s. I have seen several
versions of the Anniversary over the years, from what appeared to be maple
rails, to the rosewood formica models. Unlike the Centennial, the
Anniversary model spanned a number of years - thought going back to the
30s.
Al Conte. Do you have any recollection of when the Anniversary was
introduced?
Dale: What is a "flat-rail" table?
Regards,
Roger - delete "no" if replying by email.

Post by dalecue
Roger Orsulak wrote in message ...

Post by Roger Orsulak
My understanding is that the Anniversary was first produced in the '30s.
Roger

FWIW - '45 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick
I always assumed 1945 was the first year of production
Answers seems to have indication of 1943
but def no Anniversary in the 30s
the first ever 'flat-rail' table built by Brubswik was the 'Moderine' in1939
HTH
Dale

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "

............................................................................
.............

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.
It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_1.jpg
This next one might also answer the question and is one of several that I
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_2.jpg

[dalecue]

Answers wrote in message ...

Post by Answers
There are other reasons to imagine that the Centennial and/or Anniversary
models didn't come along until 1945. For one thing that was the year WW II
ended. Prior to that time Brunswick's factory was largely if not entirely
devoted to war production. 1945 may well have been the first year that they
could refocus themselves on their commercial pool table business. Consider
the use of aluminum corner castings on the Anniversary, Centennial and
Moderne. The Centennial is virtually dripping with aluminum - a precious
commodity during the war years and not one that was freely accessible for
commercial use.
The 'Moderne' is featured on page two of the 1946 Brunswick Billiard
"Master craftsmanship and styling make the Moderne a supreme achievement in
a medium-priced table
For the room owner who stresses the streamlined note, the Moderne with its
up-to-the minute styling is sure to prove an unexcelled profit-builder. Its
smooth flowing curves were designed to combine attractiveness with utmost
utility.
Your players will like the firm support and good looks of the four tear-drop
shaped legs. They'll find the fresh look of the bleached mahogany finish
stimulating. Molded pocket pads are set in natural finish aluminum corner
castings. And the bridge rack and roomy ball rack have their own appeal in
eliminating tiresome bending.
Notice too, how the legs of the Moderne are set back out of the player's
way. Imagine the playing comfort those smartly sloped aprons will bring to
your customers. You'll like the Moderne. Over 100 years of Brunswick
experience stand behind its craftsmanship and styling."
........................................
The 1946 catalogue goes on to describe several 'new' features of the
Centennial (and Moderne) including 'Rail Construction', 'New Type Pocket(s)'
"Rail construction makes tables stronger and easier to maintain.
The new Brunswick Billiard Tables have a new type rail construction which
makes table stronger and far easier to maintain. The rail is fastened
securely to the slate by means of a bolt through the bottom of the table, up
through the slate and into the rail. Rail bolts are accessible for
tightening. Vibration is eliminated, meaning more accurate shots.
New type pocket and pad are made in one assembly for quick replacement.
Pocket irons are eliminated. The corner pockets are hidden from view to
carry out the streamline appearance. (The word 'new' is used several times
here. The 'new' pockets are 'hidden' in the 'streamlined' aluminum corner
castings.)
Table Apron has a new streamlined sloping design, superior to vertical
design of previous aprons. Players are more ate ease when making difficult
shots, because the pressure of the body on the apron is minimized."
-----------------------------------
Bob Bebb of REBCO has been in the table restoration business for decades.
He's worked on many old Centennial and Anniversary tables. He seems to
believe that they were both manufactured starting in 1945 and both in
continued production through most of the 1950's. He bases some of this
observation of the fact that these two models were still being featured in
the Brunswick catalogues until the late 1950's. However, it's possible that
Brunswick only produced the Centennial for a handful of years and spent some
of the decade of the 50's selling off back inventory.
I've sent an email to Mike Shamos (keeper of the Billiards Archive)
regarding a few of these issues. I'm assuming that based on his prodigious
collection of billiards memorabilia and billiards lore he may have the
definitive answers to most of these questions. Meanwhile, I'm ordering a
copy of the 1945 Brunswick catalogue as well as the 1958/59 catalogue to see
what kind of spread they gave the Centennial and Anniversary tables. Going
to get to the bottom of this one way or another.
Answers

Post by Roger Orsulak
I understand that 1945 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick. Hence, it
always made sense to me too that this was the year that they introduced
the "Centennial" (=100). There is nothing that precludes the
"Anniversary" table from having been made in the 30s. I have seen several
versions of the Anniversary over the years, from what appeared to be maple
rails, to the rosewood formica models. Unlike the Centennial, the
Anniversary model spanned a number of years - thought going back to the
30s.
Al Conte. Do you have any recollection of when the Anniversary was
introduced?
Dale: What is a "flat-rail" table?
Regards,
Roger - delete "no" if replying by email.

Post by dalecue
Roger Orsulak wrote in message ...

Post by Roger Orsulak
My understanding is that the Anniversary was first produced in the '30s.
Roger

FWIW - '45 was the 100th anniversary of Brunswick
I always assumed 1945 was the first year of production
Answers seems to have indication of 1943
but def no Anniversary in the 30s
the first ever 'flat-rail' table built by Brubswik was the 'Moderine' in1939
HTH
Dale

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
"1945
Brunswick celebrates 100 years of continuous operation... "

............................................................................

Post by Answers

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by dalecue
.............

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
Perhaps this 1945 catalogue pictured at the link below could answer the
origin question for BOTH the Centennial and the Anniversary.
It's entirely possible that they started producing both models that same
year.
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_1.jpg
This next one might also answer the question and is one of several

that

Post by Answers

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by dalecue

Post by Roger Orsulak

Post by Answers
I
http://img9.paintedover.com/uploads/9/1945_brunswick_catalogue_2.jpg

Answers

let me encourage you on your noble quest

Bob is hard to beat as of source of information

coupla other very knowledgeable guys

Ronnie Blat of Blatt Billiards in NYC

Terry Moldenhauer(?) Calif, - one time VP(?) at Golden West who made
repros of antique pool tables

there are others, of course

I have a copy of the Brubswick catalog dated Fall and Winter of 1950

the Centennial is featured promminently, but the 'Moderne'<thanks for the
correct spelling> is no longer listed

once upon a once I had a manual(?) - not a sales brochure - from
1960-1961 that had info about the GC(I) and the Anniversary, but no
mention of the Centennial - so I always assumed there was some
overlap in the selling of these models

production vs availability:

billiard companies wern't like the post-war auto makers with their
'new for 19xx models' approach - changes were more evoluntionary
and they 'used up' inventory

National in Cincinnati changed to a 'flat-rail' model in the early 60s

I know for certain that some of the early production of these tables
used the old T-rail type slates - which required that the 'flat-rails'
be modified to T-rail construction

Dale

[Jim Eales]

I would suggest you try contacting Mike Shamos (***@ix.netcom.com). He
would be more likely than anyone else to have old Brunswick catalogs.

Jim Eales

[dalecue]

Answers wrote in message ...

Post by Answers

Post by dalecue
FWIW - Mosconi's first book "On Pocket Billiards"<none to many as
'the little red book'> has many pics showing the Centennial - they are
ment to show various aspects of play, shots, stance, etc - do they don't
emphasize the table, but it is there for all to see, sorta
the book appears regularly on eBay, usually going for a few bucks
look in Billiards Memorabilia
HTH
Dale

Dale, there is a reprint edition of "On Pocket Billiards" available from
Amazon.com. Is this the book you're referring to?

yes - that's the one

Dale
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0517884283/102-1833128-0472968
?v=glance

[Newsposts1]

Post by Answers
Any help in this matter would be appreciated.

If you are close to or have an opportunity to get to the Library of
Congress, then you could probably find a lot. There are many
periodicals and newspapers from that which could be researched for
advertisements.

I would also suggest checking the US Patent office, which has an
online search form. All you need is a *.GIF viewer to read the patents
and drawings.