MacMorran “Morcues”
Billiard cues bearing the “Morcues” trademark represent a fascinating chapter in British billiard history, originating from a major manufacturer in the heart of London, MacMorran & Co Limited, founded by Andrew B MacMorran.
MacMorran developed into 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 in the United Kingdom. After World War I, there was a dramatic surge in the demand for billiard cues. This increase was largely fueled by the proliferation of several thousand new public billiard halls across the country.
This demand continued to evolve through the 1930s, with an “unprecedented demand” emerging for smaller cues. These were specifically required to equip the thousands of undersized home billiard tables that became very popular during that decade.
Many billiard firms at the time offered cues under their own brand names, but a significant portion of these were actually crafted by a handful of key manufacturers. MacMorran, alongside Peradon and Weilding, were among these primary producers, meaning that many of the cues now highly valued and appreciated by collectors were originally made by these very firms.
King George V and Queen Mary were frequent attendees and vocal supporters of the British Industries Fair. They frequently toured the London and Birmingham venues. Their royal visits served as vital publicity to promote domestic goods and economic recovery throughout the interwar period; the above picture appeared in the 1939 catalogue, the visit to the MacMorran stand may have inspired the creation of their Royal Presentation cue.
MacMorran Cues’ independent journey eventually came to a close in 1949 following the death of Andrew MacMorran when they were acquired by Peradon. This acquisition brought together two significant names in the billiard cue manufacturing world along with Weilding, also acquired by Peradon.
The MacMorran name continued to appear on cue badges and requisites for nearly two decades in the brand name ‘Permac’ created by peradon, combining both company names and not Peradon and McConachy as many believed.
Briefly in the late 1970s the MacMorran “Morcues” trademark with its crown above a globe, was resurrected following the amalgamated of Pardon and E L Fletcher to form Peradon and Fletcher creating a trademark featuring each companies logo. In 1983 a stylised crown logo was created again calling back to the “Morcues” trademark of MacMorran Cues. A variation of this logo is still used by Peradon.
Fast forward to today, and there’s a tangible “craze” for Morcues or McMorran emblems among collectors. This renewed interest is particularly strong among Walter Lindrum collectors, highlighting the historical significance and craftsmanship associated with these vintage cues. The unique emblems and the legacy of MacMorran cues continue to capture the imagination of those who appreciate the rich history of cue sports.
John A Smith
Cues n Views
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