Item 21

This represents an exceptional find for collectors of early European billiard history. Dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, this mechanical billiard table pocket predates the standardized leather-and-net configurations that became the industry norm by the mid-1800s.

Specifications & Material

  • Origin: European

  • Era: Circa late 1700s to early 1800s

  • Material: Heavy Cast Brass / Bronze

  • Dimensions: 9″ long x 7″ wide

Historical Significance

During the Georgian and Napoleonic eras, billiard tables were bespoke luxury items found in the grand estates of Europe. The use of cast brass or bronze for the pocket assembly signifies a high-caliber table of the period. Unlike modern pockets, these mechanical units were often integrated directly into the wooden rail structure, serving as both a functional ball-catch and a decorative architectural element of the table’s frame.

Collector’s Note

  • Artistry: The 9″ x 7″ footprint indicates a substantial casting. These early pieces often feature unique tool marks and variations in the alloy, reflecting the hand-finished nature of late 18th-century metalwork.

  • Restoration Potential: For those restoring a period-correct European table, finding an original casting from this era is a rare opportunity to maintain the historical integrity and “pedigree” of a world-class antique.