(Item 234)
This Brunswick-Balke-Collender (BBC) Pocket Billiard Triangle. This is the essential “workhorse” of a turn-of-the-century pool room. While many triangles from this era were simple wood frames, the double brass straps in the corners mark this as a professional-grade, “heavy-duty” model designed for longevity.
Technical & Material Details
Double Brass Straps: In the 1890s and early 1900s, the constant stress of “tight racking” would often cause the joinery of wooden triangles to fail. BBC solved this by wrapping the corners in brass. The “double” strap (one on the top edge, one on the bottom, or reinforced on both sides of the joint) provided the structural integrity needed for decades of use.
The Wood: Most BBC triangles of this caliber were crafted from Quarter-Sawn Oak or Rock Maple. These woods were chosen for their resistance to warping, ensuring the triangle remained “true” so the balls would be frozen (touching) for a perfect break.
Size (2 1/4″): This is the regulation size for standard pocket billiards. Finding an original antique rack that hasn’t “shrunk” or been sanded down—maintaining that precise 2 1/4″ internal clearance—is key for a functional vintage setup.
The “BBC” Branding
On these triangles, the branding was often stamped directly into the wood or etched into the brass straps.
The “Stamp”: Look for a “hot iron” brand into the grain.
The Patina: Authentic 100-year-old brass should have a deep, mellow “mustard” or “chocolate” tone. If the brass is bright and shiny, it may have been polished recently; collectors typically prefer the aged look that matches the “hand-grained” or “rosewood” finishes of the era.
Preservation of Utility
Since this is a functional tool, its value is tied to its “squareness.”
| Feature | What to Check |
| Corner Integrity | Ensure the brass screws or rivets holding the straps are original and tight. Loose brass can lead to “loose racks” during play. |
| Internal Finish | The inside edges of the wood should be smooth. If they are splintered, they can scratch the surface of antique balls (like your Item 64 or 65). |
| Symmetry | Lay the triangle on a flat piece of glass or slate. If it rocks, the wood has a “twist,” which is common but can be professionally humidified and flattened. |
Collector’s Note
The double-brass-strap triangle is widely considered the most “aesthetic” of all billiard racks. It was frequently featured in the same BBC catalogs as the Brilliant Novelty line, intended to be hung prominently on a wall rack (like your Item 123) as a symbol of the room’s quality.
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