SUBLIME EST 1873 BILLBOARD SNOOKER POOL SCOREBOARD BY ORME & SONS MANCHESTER

Antiques of London

We are delighted to offer for sale this Sublime Est 1873 Billboard Snooker Pool Scoreboard by Orme & Sons Manchester is not just a remarkable piece of craftsmanship; it is also a significant artifact in the history of cue sports. Originally trading under the name "Thomas and James Orme," the company supplied a wide array of billiards and bagatelle tables, cues and racks, balls for billiards, pool, pyramid, and bagatelle, as well as rules for the games and scoreboards—essentially covering the full spectrum of requirements for enthusiasts.

The scoreboard has been stripped back and French polished, making it a restored piece. 

Around 1874, the firm transitioned to "Orme & Sons," becoming highly active in promoting billiards competitions. In 1876, they provided a trophy for the inaugural Billiard Championship of Ireland, further solidifying their commitment to fostering the sport. The company's influence expanded when they opened operations in Glasgow in 1880 and received a Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. This endorsement allowed them to feature the Prince's feathers on their products and in their advertising.

In 1881, Orme & Sons were among the early suppliers of 'Ivorine' (composition) billiard balls and played a pivotal role in forming the Billiard Association in 1885. Following King Edward’s death in 1910, they also received a warrant from King George V. However, with the outbreak of World War I, production was redirected toward supporting wartime efforts. Many skilled workers did not return after the war ended, compounded by a worldwide recession that hampered recovery efforts within various industries.

In response to these challenges, Orme & Sons joined forces with George Wright & Co. of London and Fred Heyes of Preston in 1928 to form Orme & Sons Limited. 

The Sublime scoreboard reflects this rich heritage with its classic design that marries functionality with elegance. Crafted from high-quality hardwoods for durability and aesthetic appeal, it features easy-to-read display spaces ideal for tracking scores during games—a testament to more than a century’s worth of refinement within cue sports culture.

With intricate embellishments that honor both its historical significance and practical use during matches or casual play settings, this vintage scoreboard serves as an eye-catching centerpiece in any game room or pub atmosphere that captures players' imaginations while invoking nostalgia for snooker’s storied past.

Please carefully examine the pictures to see the condition before purchasing, as they form part of the description. If you have any questions, please message us. 

Measurements

Height - 26 cm

Width - 94 cm

Depth - 8 cm

Please note all measurements are taken to the widest point of the item. Please don't hesitate to ask us if you need any other measures.

Condition report

We always try to picture our items as well as possible to show you any imperfections or damages, if there are any.

The pictures play a big part in the description, so please view them carefully before purchasing.

Delivery pricing on the listing

The price shown on the listing is just a guide. Please get in touch with us directly to request a quote before buying and not after. 

Deliveries & Collections

Before purchasing an item, please ask us for a quote by sending us your postcode. If you are happy with the quotation, we will schedule it.

The courier that will be delivering your item will require help to unload. The price that will be quoted will always be based on this assumption. If you need two men, the initial quote will change. It usually is £20-40 on top of the original quote. 

If you need an item carried upstairs, the courier charges extra. They charge £10-20 per flight. However, if you have a working elevator and the thing fits inside, then there should be no extra charge.

We prefer that the courier fees be paid by yourself directly to the company; the contract for delivery is between you and the chosen courier.

Alternatively, you can arrange the delivery yourself, or if you would like to collect, you can collect from our warehouse in Pulborough RH20 1DF. 

Worldwide Shipping

We offer to coordinate and schedule deliveries to the rest of the world, all you need to do is send us your Postcode/Zip-code, and we will send you a quote. 

Delivery can take 2-4 weeks within Europe and Air freight for countries outside of the EU; on some rare occasions, it can take slightly longer.

Sea freight delivery can take anywhere between 6-12 weeks.

Caring for your items

Vintage period and original items, such as leather seating, will always have a natural patina in the form of cracking, creasing and wear. 

We recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost and to keep out of sunlight.

For Hand-Dyed leather items, we don't recommend placing them in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as they will dry out and fade.

For wood, we recommend regular, thorough cleaning and waxing also.