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Billiards at Christmas Advertising


Billiards at Christmas Advertising

Billiards at Christmas Advertising

Billiard manufacturers have long used Christmas themes in selling their products, as shown in the following ads and trade cards covering five decades.

billiard christmas

Mayst thou thy Christmas happily begin. Trade card for G.A. Schwartz, a Philadelphia toy store, 1886. The children are plying bagatelle, a form of billiard.

billiard christmas

Third Call for Christmas Dinner. Brunswick-Balke-Collender advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post, 1914. [Shows mom shooting with the family at a pool table.] Text begins, "Yet the only response is the merry click of the balls as mother banks the number '7' - right into the corner pocket! Bully shot!' cries Master Dick. Father groans - That finishes me!' And it also ends this hunger strike,' adds mother. A good laugh all around. Then they're off to the dining room, where everybody plays the whole game over at the feat!"

billiard christmas

The Christmas Gift. Good All Year Round. Brunswick-Balke-Collender advertisement in Polular Mechanics, 1916. [Shows a Brunswick "Baby Grand" table with a Christmas wreath.] Text begins, "Parents, boys and girls and guests are all fascinated by the royal games of Carom and Pocket Billiards when played on Brunswick tables in cozy home surroundings."

The Ideal Xmas Gift. Brunswick-Balke-Collender advertisement, 1929. [Shows mom and dad watching their children playing pool by the Christmas tree.] Text begins, "Give your children the greatest present of all this Christmas - a Brunswick Junior Playmate Billiard Table - a magnet with the power to hold their interest in the home - the power to keep them under your guiding influence during their formative years."

What a Christmas present! ... and only $7.50. Brunswick-Balke-Collender advertisement, c. 1932. [Shows mom & dad watching as children play pool in pajamas.] Text begins, "The Brunswick Junior Playmate Billiard Table is the best juvenile Christmas investment you can make. Children and grown-ups alike, all love games. In Billiards you have one that affords healthful recreation .. mental and muscular coordination .. Endless, tireless amusement .. all-year, all-weather play."

Santa and reindeer (untitled). Greeting card by Freederick Beck Originals, Burlingame, CA, c. 1980.

Season's Greetings. Greeting card by E. Turongian, c. 1990. A modern Christmas tree made of pool balls.

All pictures and text courtesy of The Billiard Archive, Pittsburgh, PA.

  • Title: Billiards at Christmas Advertising
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 12/30/2008 1:38:00 AM

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