Posts by John A Smith

John A Smith, Webmaster designed and maintains the Cues n Views web-site.

Here are some posts created by John.

  • The Jameson International final 1983 table plate
    The Jameson International final 1983 table plate

    David Smith, Cues n Views acquired this very unusual snooker table plaque many years ago. It has a unique story. Read more

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  • Thurston by Appointment
    Thurston by Appointment

    The connection between Thurston and the Royal Family began in the earliest days of the business, well before billiard table manufacturing was widely recognized as a specialized craft. Read more

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  • Ozzy Osbournes Billiard Table
    Ozzy Osbournes Billiard Table

    Rock musician, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t appear to have been a serious cue sports collector, however, he did at one time own a Norval & Sons billiard table. Read more

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  • Jack Karnehm
    Jack Karnehm

    In the pantheon of snooker’s great voices, few commanded the respect and admiration that Jack Richard Horace Karnehm earned during his illustrious career both as commentator and player. Read more

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  • Karnehm & Hillman
    Karnehm & Hillman

    In 1971, Hillman was joined by Jack Karnehm, then a well known player and TV commentator. Together they traded as Jack Karnehm & W G Hillman Billiard Supply Co. Incorporation followed in 1973, and by 1979 the familiar name Karnehm & Hillman Ltd. was established. Read more

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  • The Top Spot Snooker Club
    The Top Spot Snooker Club

    The Top Spot Snooker Club had a friendly, inclusive atmosphere that welcomed both casual players and serious competitors, it had affordable prices that made the sport accessible to the local community offering day rates and student discounts. Read more

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  • Adam Custom Cues
    Adam Custom Cues

    Adam Custom Cues was established in October 1969 when Richard Helmstetter moved to Japan to help Dave Forman establish the company. Richard Helmstetter started making Adam custom cues in 1970 Read more

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  • E J Riley Billiard Tables
    E J Riley Billiard Tables

    In the world of billiards and snooker, few names resonate with the history and evolution of cue sports quite like E J Riley. Established in 1882 by Edward John Riley, the company embarked on a journey from a general sporting equipment retailer to becoming a dominant force in billiards and snooker table manufacturing. Read more

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  • Power Glide
    Power Glide

    Power Glide established itself as a significant name in the world of snooker and billiards, known for its extensive range of cues and founding by a legendary figure in cue sports. Desmond Rex Williams along with his brother Ken established the cue manufacturing business in 1968. Read more

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  • A E Perry Brighton
    A E Perry Brighton

    The story begins with Arthur Edmund Perry (1880-1952), the founder of this long-standing business. Born in London, Perry made the move to Brighton at the age of 19, Read more

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  • Adega Billiard Hall
    Adega Billiard Hall

    Smaller local halls played a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing the setting for early career triumphs. One such venue, mentioned in the anecdotes of legendary player Charles Dawson, was the Adega Billiard Hall Read more

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  • Billiard Supply Co Huddersfield
    Billiard Supply Co Huddersfield

    Billiard Supply Co was started in 1946, the brainchild of Mr Victor Muff, an exceptional billiard player who turned professional in 1950 and businessman, Mr Frank Fisher, a prominent member of the cue sports community. Read more

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  • Lucania Billiard Halls
    Lucania Billiard Halls

    The world of billiards and snooker often conjures images of smoky rooms and hushed concentration, but one notable group of billiard halls, Lucania, has a history firmly rooted in a surprising social movement: temperance. Read more

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  • Charles Parker and Son History
    Charles Parker and Son History

    From its origins in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Charles Parker & Son carved out a notable history in the manufacture and supply of billiard equipment and cues before its end as part of a larger group of companies. Read more

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  • Cowderoy Bland and Co
    Cowderoy Bland and Co

    For enthusiasts of billiards and antique sporting goods, the name Cowderoy, Bland & Co is almost unknown to history. This London firm of billiard table makers has left a small mark as their story spans several decades prior to World War Two. Read more

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  • Thomas Padmore & Sons
    Thomas Padmore & Sons

    In the worlds of billiards and snooker few names resonate as deeply as Thomas Padmore & Sons Read more

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  • Elston & Hopkin Billiards
    Elston & Hopkin Billiards

    For generations, the name Elston & Hopkin has been synonymous with cue sports tables in Nottingham and beyond. From humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming a pillar of the billiards trade, their story is one of craftsmanship, family, and adaptation. Read more

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  • John Bennett & Co
    John Bennett & Co

    The history of John Bennett & Company, unfortunately is clouded by significant loss of historical records. Piecing together the full story requires drawing on multiple sources and overcoming the challenges presented by fires that destroyed crucial documentation. Read more

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  • MacMorran “Morcues”
    MacMorran “Morcues”

    MacMorran cues, identifiable by their distinctive “Morcues” trademark, were a prominent manufacturer operating out of Primrose Hill, London, during the 1930s and 1940s. Their period of significant production coincided with a booming era for billiards Read more

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  • Harry C Virr
    Harry C Virr

    Step back in time to the early 20th century, a golden era for billiards, and one name stands out in the amateur game: Harry Crompton Virr. Hailing from Bradford and later moving to Leeds, Virr captivated audiences with his skill and sportsmanship. Read more

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  • Murton of Newcastle
    Murton of Newcastle

    In 1910 Murton consolidated all his Newcastle operations at 8-10 Grainger Street. The business was then formally incorporated into a limited company the following year and was subsequently known as Henry A Murton Limited. Read more

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  • Clark McConachy
    Clark McConachy

    Clark McConachy, affectionately known as “Mac,” was a name synonymous with cue sports for over half a century. A New Zealander born on April 15th, 1895, McConachy’s career was exemplified by remarkable skill, dedication, and an enduring passion for billiards and snooker. Read more

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  • Victor Muff
    Victor Muff

    In the annals of English billiards, certain names resonate with local pride and national achievement. One such name, particularly cherished in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield, is Victor Muff. Read more

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  • The Heritage Room
    The Heritage Room

    An attraction that was well worth visiting during the early 2000’s was Roger Lee’s Billiards and Snooker Heritage Room, this was set up each year throughout the duration of the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Read more

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  • Cues n Views on the road
    Cues n Views on the road

    Twenty years ago Cues n Views had a small stand showing some old cues, balls and books at an invitation Billiards event staged at Great Horton Conservative Club organised by Brian Watson. Read more

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  • Bantock House billiards room
    Bantock House billiards room

    Bantock House billiards room Restored to its Edwardian glory, Bantock House is a hidden treasure set within 43 acres of parkland and surrounded by delightful formal gardens. Read more

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  • Cues n Views Pundit
    Cues n Views Pundit

    Rachel Stringer, EuroSport TV was covering the event and presented a tribute to Jimmy White who won this competition 25 years ago. Read more

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  • Six Red Snooker at Top Spot
    Six Red Snooker at Top Spot

    In 2010 I had created a web-site for the Top Spot Snooker Club, Huddersfield and as a result I also made a video of a 6 Red Snooker competition held on 13th of February that year. I also took many pictures all to promote the club. Read more

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  • Cash in the Attic
    Cash in the Attic

    In 2002 John Widdup of BBC`s “Cash in the Attic” got in touch with Cues n Views to report that an Auction of Snooker memorabilia was to take place in March. Read more

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