H.W. Collender "ORIENTAL" model pool table circa 1878
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I am very fortunate to have just recently purchase the possible single rarest US made pool table I have had the chance to own in 24 years. I have consulted other billiard restorers/historians and they haven't recalled actually seeing one of these model tables in existence.
The H.W. Collender Company merged with Brunswick and Balke to form the Brunswick Balke Collender Company around 1880. From what I can tell, this table was produced just prior to the merge. The table is 4.5' by 9' regulation size. What makes this table interesting is that the legs, complete exterior of the body (except top rail system) is in intricately decorated cast iron. The sides of the rails are ebony finish wood with rosewood rail tops, ivory diamond rail markers. There were three models of cast iron tables advertised in the 1870's by Collender, The Occidental, Imperial and the "Oriental." I have seen a handful of each of the other models, but never the "Oriental" model until now.
My restored antique tables typically cost in the $8,500 - $60,000 price range. This table far exceeds in rarity and price of anything I have ever had the luxury of owning and restoring. Only one very special client will have the chance to own this important piece of American Industrial Revolution history. I welcome email and telephone inquiries on any of my tables available on this site.
- Ken Hash, Owner, Classic Billiards - 410-256-8388, info@classicbilliards.net
