| Rock-Ola Tables (1950s) |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
Original unrestored condition |
| Rock-Ola Tables (1950s) |
$8,000 - $12,000+ |
Professionally restored |
| American Shuffleboard (1940s-50s) |
$1,000 - $5,000 |
Based on condition and size |
| Champion/Other Vintage Brands |
$3,000 - $7,000 |
Good playable condition |
| Professional Restored Antiques |
$12,000 - $16,000+ |
From specialty restoration companies |
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According to research from auction data and dealer listings, a 22-foot Rock-Ola shuffleboard in decent original condition typically sells for $1,000 to $1,500 if sold quickly (liquidation value). However, the same table in excellent condition with original components can fetch $2,000 to $4,000 from collectors.
Professionally restored vintage tables command the highest prices, with companies like McClure Tables offering fully restored antique shuffleboard tables starting at $14,895, according to their website.
Rock-Ola Shuffleboard Tables
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation, best known for their iconic jukeboxes, produced some of the most desirable vintage shuffleboard tables during the 1940s and 1950s. These tables featured quality craftsmanship and distinctive design elements that make them highly sought after by collectors.
Rock-Ola tables typically have:
- Solid hardwood construction
- 22-foot length (most common size)
- Metal coin mechanisms on commercial models
- Electronic scoring systems on some models
- Distinctive leg designs and cabinet work
According to Shuffleboard Federation, authentic Rock-Ola tables in good playable condition are increasingly rare, contributing to their rising value. The restoration process for these tables can be extensive, with companies like McClure Tables noting that the cost just to transport and pick up an antique table can range from $1,000 to $2,000 in labor alone.
American Shuffleboard Company Tables
The American Shuffleboard Company produced high-quality tables that are now considered vintage collectibles. These tables often featured:
- Solid maple playing surfaces
- Lengths ranging from 12 to 22 feet
- Distinctive cabinet styling
- Optional electronic scoring
According to forum posts on Monster Fish Keepers, a 20-foot American shuffleboard table from the 1940s or early 1950s in good playing condition was listed for $5,000 in 2021.
Other Valuable Vintage Brands
Several other manufacturers produced quality shuffleboard tables that now hold collectible value:
- Champion Shuffleboard: Known for quality playing surfaces
- United Shuffleboard: Produced commercial-grade tables
- Brunswick: Better known for billiards but made some shuffleboard tables
- Venture: Created high-end tables with distinctive styling
History of Shuffleboard Tables
-
Late 1800s
Early Commercial Tables
First commercial shuffleboard tables appear in American bars and taverns
-
1930s
Home Recreation Boom
Shuffleboard begins transition from commercial venues to home recreation rooms
-
1940s-1950s
Golden Age
Rock-Ola, American Shuffleboard, and other manufacturers produce the tables now considered most collectible
-
1970s
Electronic Scoring
Advanced electronic scoring systems added to premium shuffleboard tables
-
2000s-Present
Restoration Boom
Growing interest in restoring vintage tables to their former glory while maintaining playability
Condition Assessment
The condition of an antique shuffleboard table significantly impacts its value. Use this checklist to evaluate a table’s condition:
Shuffleboard Table Condition Assessment
Check all items that apply to determine condition rating
A table’s condition has an enormous impact on its value. According to an antiques expert on Just Answer, a 1950s era 22-foot shuffleboard table can range from $2,000 to $4,000 based solely on condition differences.
Size and Length
The length of an antique shuffleboard table directly affects its value:
- 22-foot tables: Most valuable and desirable size, especially for Rock-Ola models
- 20-foot tables: Still highly desirable and valuable
- 12-16 foot tables: Less valuable but more practical for residential use
According to Shuffleboard Federation, a 22-foot table can weigh approximately 1,210 pounds assembled, highlighting why these tables are substantial investments.
Originality vs. Restoration
Collectors and enthusiasts debate whether original unrestored tables or professionally restored ones are more valuable:
- Original condition: Purists value untouched tables with original finishes and components
- Professionally restored: Players and recreational buyers prefer tables restored to perfect playing condition
According to McClure Tables, a company specializing in antique shuffleboard restoration, their restored antique tables start at $14,895, suggesting that high-quality restoration significantly enhances value for certain buyers.
Wood Type and Construction
The materials used in an antique shuffleboard table affect both its longevity and value:
- Hard maple: The most desirable wood for playing surfaces, resistant to warping
- Russian birch: Good quality material found in mid-range tables
- Canadian soft maple: Also considered good quality
- Rubber wood/Poplar/Chinese birch: Less expensive and less durable materials
According to Legacy Billiards, hard maple is considered the premier wood for shuffleboard tables due to its durability and resistance to warping over time.
Recent Antique Shuffleboard Table Sales
Notable auction and private sales records
| Item |
Price |
Date |
Auction House |
| 22' Rock-Ola Shuffleboard (1950s) |
$3,800 |
March 2023 |
eBay Auction |
| 20' American Shuffleboard (1940s) |
$5,000 |
April 2021 |
Private Sale |
| 22' Restored Rock-Ola |
$12,500 |
January 2023 |
Specialty Dealer |
| 16' Champion Shuffleboard |
$4,200 |
November 2022 |
Local Auction |
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Maker’s Marks and Serial Numbers
Most valuable antique shuffleboard tables have distinctive maker’s marks:
- Rock-Ola: Look for the Rock-Ola name plate or logo, typically on the side of the cabinet or on the scoring unit
- American Shuffleboard: Usually has a metal plate or branded mark
- Serial numbers: Often found underneath the table or on the cabinet ends
The serial number can help date a Rock-Ola table and confirm its authenticity, which significantly affects value. According to McClure Tables’ blog on antique Rock-Ola shuffleboard tables, genuine Rock-Ola tables from the 1950s are highly sought after by collectors.
Construction Techniques and Materials
Authentic antique shuffleboard tables typically feature:
- Hand-crafted joinery: Dovetail or mortise and tenon joints rather than modern fasteners
- Solid hardwood construction: Modern tables often use engineered wood or veneers
- Traditional finishes: Oil-based varnishes rather than modern polyurethane
- Playing surface material: High-quality maple or other hardwood for the playing surface
According to Sawyer Twain, modern shuffleboard tables often feature polymer playing surfaces, while vintage tables typically had wood surfaces finished with traditional methods.
Common Reproduction Warning Signs
Watch for these signs that a “vintage” shuffleboard table might actually be a modern reproduction:
- Modern hardware (screws, bolts, brackets)
- Perfectly uniform coloring in the wood
- Lack of expected wear patterns
- Synthetic playing surfaces
- Missing or suspiciously new-looking maker’s marks
- Too-perfect distressing meant to simulate age
Professional restoration of an antique shuffleboard table typically involves:
- Disassembly and cleaning: Completely taking apart the table and cleaning all components
- Structural repairs: Addressing any damaged joints, legs, or structural elements
- Playing surface restoration: Refinishing, leveling, or even replacing the playing surface
- Finish restoration: Stripping old finishes and applying new period-appropriate finishes
- Hardware restoration: Cleaning, repairing, or replacing original hardware
- Reassembly and testing: Putting everything back together and ensuring proper gameplay
According to McClure Tables, the restoration process is labor-intensive and requires specialized knowledge, explaining why their restored antique tables start at $14,895.
The blog post on antique Rock-Ola shuffleboard tables notes that the cost to acquire, transport, and restore an antique table can easily reach $8,500 before any profit margin for dealers.
DIY vs. Professional Restoration
The difference between amateur restoration and professional work significantly impacts value:
- DIY restoration: Can reduce value if done incorrectly; best for simple cleaning and minor repairs
- Professional restoration: Preserves or enhances value when done by recognized experts using appropriate techniques and materials
Best Places to Find Authentic Antique Shuffleboard Tables
- Specialty dealers: Companies like McClure Tables or Shuffleboard Federation offer authenticated antique tables
- Auction houses: Offer authenticated pieces, sometimes at competitive prices
- Online marketplaces: Sites like eBay have vintage tables, but buyer caution is necessary
- Estate sales: Can yield surprising finds, often at lower prices
- Game room specialty stores: Retailers like Triangle Billiards sometimes carry vintage models
Selling Your Antique Shuffleboard Table
If you’re looking to sell an antique shuffleboard table:
- Professional appraisal: Consider getting an expert opinion on value first
- Specialty dealers: May purchase your table for resale, especially if it’s a desirable brand
- Auction houses: Good for rare or particularly valuable models
- Direct to collectors: Forums and collector groups can connect you with motivated buyers
- Online marketplaces: Cast a wide net but prepare for logistics challenges
Remember that shipping and moving costs for these massive tables can be substantial—often $1,000 to $2,000 according to restoration experts.
Common Questions About Antique Shuffleboard Table Values
How much is a Rock-Ola shuffleboard table from the 1950s worth?
A Rock-Ola shuffleboard table from the 1950s typically ranges in value from $1,000 to $4,000 in original condition, depending on condition, completeness, and functionality. Professionally restored Rock-Ola tables from this era can fetch $8,000 to $12,000 or more from serious collectors and enthusiasts.
What wood is typically used in antique shuffleboard tables?
The best antique shuffleboard tables typically feature hard maple wood for the playing surface, as this wood species is less susceptible to warping over time and provides an excellent gliding surface for the pucks. Cabinet components were often made from a variety of hardwoods including oak, walnut, or maple. Higher quality tables used solid hardwoods throughout, while more economical models might have incorporated some veneer elements.
How much does a 22-foot antique shuffleboard table weigh?
A 22-foot antique shuffleboard table typically weighs between 1,200 to 1,400 pounds fully assembled. According to the Shuffleboard Federation, a Grand Champion 22-foot table weighs approximately 1,210 pounds assembled and has a shipping weight of 1,430 pounds. This substantial weight is due to the solid hardwood construction and thick playing surface, and explains why moving these tables requires professional assistance.
Are restored antique shuffleboard tables worth more than unrestored ones?
The answer depends on the buyer's priorities. For collectors seeking historical authenticity, an unrestored table in good original condition may be more valuable. However, for buyers wanting both historical appeal and excellent playability, professionally restored tables generally command higher prices—often starting around $14,000 from specialty dealers like McClure Tables. Poor-quality DIY restorations can actually decrease a table's value significantly.
How can I tell if my shuffleboard table is a valuable antique?
Look for these indicators of a valuable antique shuffleboard table: manufacturer's marks or logos from renowned makers like Rock-Ola or American Shuffleboard; solid hardwood construction with traditional joinery; a thick, solid wood playing surface (not polymer or veneer); age-appropriate hardware and finish patina; and serial numbers that can be verified with manufacturer records. Tables from the 1940s-1950s are generally considered the most collectible era.
What's the difference between an antique commercial and residential shuffleboard table?
Antique commercial shuffleboard tables (made for bars and arcades) typically feature coin mechanisms, more durable construction for heavy use, electronic scoring systems in later models, and lengths of 20-22 feet. Residential models are sometimes shorter (12-18 feet), lack coin mechanisms, may have more decorative cabinetry suited to home decor, and often have manual scoring systems. Commercial models from renowned manufacturers like Rock-Ola generally command higher prices on the antique market.
Valuable Resources for Antique Shuffleboard Enthusiasts
Conclusion: Investing in Antique Shuffleboard Tables
Antique shuffleboard tables represent both a piece of American recreational history and substantial pieces of functional furniture. Their value continues to appreciate as fewer original examples remain in good condition, while interest in vintage gaming and entertainment pieces grows.
For collectors, these tables offer a blend of historical significance, craftsmanship, and practical enjoyment that few other antiques can match. While prices ranging from $1,000 for project tables to $16,000+ for professionally restored examples may seem substantial, these pieces often hold their value well when properly maintained.
Whether you’re drawn to the history of a 1950s Rock-Ola shuffleboard table or the elegant design of an American Shuffleboard Company model, understanding the factors that determine value helps ensure a wise investment. With proper care, these magnificent gaming tables can continue to provide enjoyment for generations while potentially appreciating in value.
