A Phelan & Collender 'Monarch' Billiard Table, Circa 1860

This Phelan & Collender billiards table is an early and rare example of how the game of pool was enhanced and modernized in the United States, becoming a true American past-time. The co-creator, Michael Phelan (1819-1871), was an Irish immigrant and first billiards star in the U.S. Michael's father managed a successful billiards business in the early 19th century, introducing his son to the game of pool at the age of four and coaching a talented pool player by the age of fifteen. Michael was determined to make his passion for billiards his livelihood. By 1850, he was acknowledged as the premier, most scientific pool player in the country and wrote "Billiards Without a Master," the first book on the science, etiquette, and rules of billiards, ever published in the U.S. Shortly thereafter, he pivoted his attention to creating an American billiard table that would serve as the universal standard model. He gained an interest in the manufacturing business of Tobias O'Connor and Hugh William Collender and formed the luxury billiard brand, Phelan & Collender in 1854. In the same year, he developed a patent for volcanized rubber cushions, which was noted for its elastic and lasting qualities and in turn, increased the popularity of the game. He additionally added diamonds to the table’s sides to assist with aim. In 1859, Phelan won the first national billiards championship. Phelan & Collender was dissolved in 1871 upon Phelan's death and became Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company.

This billiard table was located in Paul Newman's New York City office and was likely manufactured near Michael Phelan's Billiard Saloon located at the corner of 10th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. The interior of the table contains an early red wash and inscription "Jos Stillman / Cornwall on Hudson / NY," presumably once owned by John S. Stillman, a lawyer and government official in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. At competition size, it contains four slate slabs and a Monarch cushion over an impressive inlaid and turned oak base. Balancing elegance, power, and superior performance, this billiards table is emblematic of American ingenuity and dedication to excellence.