Images(7)

Billiard Table

DateCa. 1738

OriginEngland

MediumMahogany, oak and deal, brass, cotton, and wool

DimensionsOH: 36 3/4"; OL: 151"; OW: 75"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1965-77,1A-C

DescriptionAppearance: Billiard table is rectangular, made in three sections; top made of a series of oak panels, laid in a parqueted manner; raised molded sides surrounding top, cushioned on inside edge and covered with original green baize; molded sides fastened to top with original brass-headed coach screws; framework of table composed of straight sides with original netted pockets at each corner and center of each side (one pocket missing); pockets attached to table with large brass braces; frame supported by twelve heavy columnar legs terminating in large rectangular block feet; legs united by heavy "square" stretchers, three running lengthwise and four cross.

Construction:
Four leg units of three legs joined by stretchers tenoned and pegged into legs and by rails; end leg units have single full width rail into which the center leg is tenoned and pegged; center two leg units have full width rails that are narrowed at center and set into slot in tops of center legs; full length side stretchers are double tenoned into corner legs with screws from table ends screwed into legs and end of rail; stretchers are notched around center two legs and screwed through rail into legs; full length side rails are double tenoned into corner legs with screw from table ends screwed into legs and end of rails; side rails sit in bridle joints in tops of center two legs; 3 short medial strechers and 3 short medial rails are tenoned into center legs; 6 short rails are dovetailed into tops of rails equidistant from end and center legs of each leg unit.

Top composed of three paneled sections, full width of table and 1/3 the length of the table; panels joint to eachother with tonge and groove joint (toungs on both ends of center panel); table top is screwed from the underside of the rails into brass plates set into underside of top (no screws remained in the slots in the medial rails); green baize nailed around perimeter of full top when in place.

Two end and four side bumpers sit on edges of top and are screwed into the rails from the sides; netted pockets are sewn to brass hoops that are in turn screwed to tops of the bumpers at the corners of the table and mid way along the length of the table.

Woods: Primary: Mahogany (sides, legs and stretchers); Secondary: Oak top; deal underframing.
InscribedOn the underside of the table is the following inscription in chalk (probably not original): "Bow Meeting No 56" or "Bow/ Meeting/ 1856". Also in chalk on another panel on underside of top "Bow/ Meeting/ 1844"
MarkingsModern brass plaque at one end reads: "This Billiard Table was purchased by Thomas Foley Esqr. of Stoke Edith, October 13th, 1738."

Numerous Roman numerals on most pieces of table for fitting joints together.
ProvenanceTable supposed to have been made for Thomas Foley of Stoke Edith, Herefordshire, about 1738. Stoke Edith was built from 1698 to 1703 by the Foley family, one of whose members became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1698.