What does a good antique billiard table cost?

A 19th-century parlour billiard table in good condition typically sells for £1,200–£3,500. A signed piece from a noted maker — Thurston, Riley, Béziat or Toulet — with original carved legs and period accessories can reach £10,000–£18,000 or more depending on rarity and condition.

How can I tell whether a billiard table is genuinely antique?

Look for a natural slate bed (often in multiple jointed slabs), aged vulcanised rubber cushions, solid carved-wood legs and a manufacturer's plate under the frame. Mortise-and-tenon joinery, original leather pockets and wear patterns consistent with age are all reliable signs of authentic period manufacture.

Does replacing the cloth devalue an antique billiard table?

No — recovering the playing surface is a standard, widely accepted restoration. The cloth wears out naturally with use. Provided the slate bed, woodwork and cushions remain original, a quality re-cloth with period-appropriate baize has no negative impact on the table's market value.

What is the difference between a French carom table and an English billiard table?

A French carom table has no pockets and is played with three balls on a red or green cloth. An English billiard or snooker table has six pockets and uses a full set of coloured balls. The two types differ in dimensions, cushion profile and aesthetic tradition, which affects both value and practical use.

How should an antique billiard table be moved and installed?

Always use a specialist furniture mover. The slate bed — heavy and fragile — must be dismantled and transported separately from the frame. On installation, the floor must be perfectly level and the slate carefully re-levelled and re-jointed by an experienced fitter to ensure true play.