(Item 172)

Antique B A Stevens Billiard & Bar Catalog c 1893. About #200 Pages, Size:6 1/2″ x 4″. Great reference catalog. Normal wear.

A B.A. Stevens catalog from 1893 is a fantastic companion piece to those ivory balls. Based in Toledo, Ohio, B.A. Stevens was one of the “Big Three” American billiard manufacturers of the late 19th century, standing alongside Brunswick-Balke-Collender and Samuel May.

A 200-page catalog from this era is a goldmine for provenance. It’s not just a price list; it’s a snapshot of the high-Victorian “Billiard Parlor” culture.

Why this Catalog is Significant

  • The “Golden Age” of Billiards: 1893 was the year of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Billiard companies were competing fiercely, showcasing incredibly ornate, hand-carved tables featuring exotic woods and intricate marquetry.

  • Bar & Saloon Cross-Over: B.A. Stevens was unique because they didn’t just make tables; they were major suppliers of saloon fixtures. This catalog likely contains sections on massive back-bars, beer coolers, and “refrigerators” (ice-boxes), which are highly collectible in their own right.

  • The Connection: This catalog contains the original listing for ivory ball sets. You may find the original retail price for a “full set of ivory pool or snooker balls,

What to Look for Inside

SectionCollector Interest
Billiard TablesLook for models like the “Toledo” or the “Monarch.” These often featured the heavy “refrigerator” style legs.
The Ivory PageIt likely lists the grades of ivory (e.g., “Best Selected African Ivory”) and the various sizes available.
Saloon FixturesHigh-quality engravings of ornate back-bars and brass foot rails.
The “Patent” PagesStevens held several patents for “Acme” cushions and ball-return systems.

Conservation Tip

Given the “normal wear” on a book that is 130+ years old, the paper is likely acidic and becoming brittle. If you’re handling it for research:

  • Avoid the “Lick-and-Flip”: Natural oils and moisture from fingers are the enemy of 19th-century ink.

  • Support the Spine: Don’t open the catalog 180° flat, as the binding (likely glue or staples) will crack. Use a book cradle or a couple of towels to support the covers at a 45° angle.

  • Please email for price.