John D. Rockefeller founds the Standard Oil Company; Thomas Edison turns on the first functioning light bulb, and writers such as Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott and Henry James publish some of their finest works. During this same time, 1870 to 1880, Brunswick Billiards was impressing connoisseurs across the country with its Exposition Novelty table, which is now being resurrected in honor of Brunswick Billiard's 165-year anniversary celebration taking place in 2010.
The 1878 J.M. Brunswick and Balke Co. catalog defined the Exposition Novelty as a table manufactured for “gentlemen's private residences” that was “a marvel of artistic excellence.” With its superb workmanship, exquisite and elaborate inlay, and elegantly carved leg, the Exposition Novelty represents the contrast between that 19th Century decade's sophisticated culture of innovation and the country's untamed west. Accordingly, this stately and detailed table was a judge's favorite of the age, winning gold medals in San Francisco and Cincinnati, and, as the 1878 catalog states, “wherever exhibited.”
“Brunswick produced more than 130 different table models during its first 100 years,” said Austin Rothbard, president of Brunswick Billiards. “But we chose to revive the Exposition Novelty, due to the table's heritage design that speaks to a bold era of art, culture and politics in America and around the world. It is an elegant table that finely represents how we've been connecting generations of billiards enthusiasts throughout our rich 165-year history.”
The commemorative antique replica Exposition Novelty boasts of magnificent craftsmanship through the use of sapele rails, solid white oak legs, a variety of beautifully grained veneers, solid brass rosettes and rail sights made of Asian Water Buffalo bone.
Each table features a limited edition brass Brunswick emblem, and will be offered with a matching cue rack and distinctive Brunswick Exposition Novelty cue.
Only 25, nine-foot Exposition Novelty tables will be made available to the public beginning October, 2009, in preparation for the company's 165th anniversary celebration in 2010. The table, with matching cue rack and cue, retails for $39,999.
