A superb Victorian combined snooker, billiards and life pool scoreboard in the Gothic style by Orme and Sons, arguably one of the UK's most prominent and important makers of the time. Orme and Sons was established in 1845 in Manchester by Thomas and James Orme, and later expanded to premises in London and Glasgow. The company won medals at the 1885 International Inventions Exhibition in London, and exhibited the most incredible heavily carved table to commemorate the life of Queen Victoria at the 1887 Jubilee Exhibition in Manchester (it's well worth a google search - look for 'Queen Victoria Jubilee Billiard Table'). Orme and Sons went on to win the Royal Patronage of both King Edward VII and King George V.

This particular scoreboard is marked 'Orme & Sons, Manchester' under a profusely carved pediment and is similarly stamped with the maker's name to the top. A central slate scoreboard hinges forward to reveal storage for 30 balls. The twin rollers are painted with black numbers from 0 to 100, bordered by brass sliders for marking the score. The life pool board comprises ten sliders, each revealing three gilt-painted 'lives'.

It measures 106cm x 81cm x 20cm.

Condition: This fine scoreboard survives in beautiful condition with just the right amount of age-related wear and patina. The wood has a rich dark colour, still protected by its original French Polish. The brass components are in good condition, as are the hand painted rollers. The central slate panel is also good. There is no key, and as this would originally have doubled as a handle for gaining access to the ball storage, possibly a replacement will need to be sourced. There is minor wear to the gilt-painted life pool markers and only three of the slide out 'extra lives' remain, each elaborately hand crafted in marquetry.

Due to the size and value of this item, it is for collection only from the Penrith area, 10 miles from Junction 40 of the M6. If this causes difficulties, please use the contact form.

NB: from my private collection of fine scoreboards, one of a number that I presently have up for sale.