Professional circuit tables

[DeanH]

Found an advert stating "as selected for the 1977 and 1978 World Professional Snooker Championships"
John Bennett "Windsor Royal" table
which has an enclosed underneath very similar in look to the Starline.

[Marketman]

Thanks Dean for the info about the tables used in 1977-78

The info I used taken from a post on this forum was obviously wrong.

This has me wondering about 1979 now, was this a Karnehm & Hillman table or another make?

Footage from that year shows a traditional style table but it’s not possible to make out a makers name anywhere.

Perhaps an ad in Snooker Scene may provide an answer but I don’t have access to any issues from this time.

There is still a firm called John Bennett trading in Kent which offers new bespoke billiard tables for sale although they seem to concentrate on restoration of antique tables. No idea if this firm is the same as that which provided the 77-78 tables or a newer firm trading under the same name.

The original John Bennett firm dates back to Victorian times.

I must say I have never personally come across a “Windsor Royal” table or even seen one for sale anywhere.

A really good close up view of a “Windsor Royal” can be seen about 2 minutes into the This England snooker documentary from 1978 on youtube filmed at that years World Championship.

Very much a Starline clone!

[DeanH]

I also don't know if the John Bennett firm now, is directly the same or just someone buying the name - there is a thread concerning this firm where the member bought a table and it was a terrible experience for them

Further investigation in various publications and adverts; and I am confused
1973-4 - Karneham & Hillman "Windsor Royal"
1975-9 - John Bennett "Windsor Royal" - including the adverts with the WSC statement previously; also used the same photo you see in the K&H ad below
1980-2 - Karneham & Hillman "World Championship Tables on view - MAGNUS, WINDSOR ROYAL, PREMIER, BUCKINGHAM"

here are a couple of ads, one with both the Windsor and the Starline together on the same page

[Marketman]

You’re right Dean, very confusing indeed!!

There must be some sort of business connection between the 2 firms.

[DeanH]

You’re right Dean, very confusing indeed!!

There must be some sort of business connection between the 2 firms.

yep that is my thought, not the first time with table makers

The hunt continues, will report back

[philip in china]

Dean, I think this is the thread to which you made reference:

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...t=john+bennett

[DeanH]

Dean, I think this is the thread to which you made reference:

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...t=john+bennett

yep that's the one

[philip in china]

I thought I could remember seeing pictures, but there aren't any now.

Old age is a terrible thing.

[DeanH]

I thought I could remember seeing pictures, but there aren't any now.

Old age is a terrible thing.

I think there were on his Photobucket account but that avenue does not work any more

Don't worry not your memory

[philip in china]

I thought it was a shot across the bows by Admiral Alzheimer.

[narl]

Those tables really have the look of someone went to america, seen 9 ball tables and decide to copy the design to a snooker template.

[philip in china]

I thought that, too.

[DeanH]

1947 confirmed as Thurston table played at the newly opened Leicester Square Hall (renovated after being bombed during the war), previously called Thurston's Hall, London.
FYI: the table was previously owned by Tom Newman who died aged 46 not long before the World Championship final started.