Rock-Ola Antique Shuffleboard Table Restoration

What is the value of an old antique shuffleboard table? We often get asked this question, but the value really depends usually on the original condition and what the buyer is willing to pay. We have seen old American, National, and other brands, but the only model that seems to garner some attention and demand a higher price is the Rock-Ola. The antique Rock-Ola tables were only made for two years back in 1947 and 1948. Considering this fact, along with the Rock-Ola name is the main reason why these tables are the most sought after models. However, the value is often based on what the buyer will pay and what condition is the table in. We have all seen Antique Road Show enough to know that the more changes and replaced parts on an antique the less valuable it becomes. With many of the restorations of the antique Rock-Ola tables we have seen they are often so far changed from the original we cannot see any real antique value to the piece. Maybe a little nostalgia but the antiquity value has been drastically reduced.

When we restore a table we take great pains to keep it as original if possible. This means keeping the glass inlay and not replace with walnut wood or some other simulated inlay. Because we make authentic reproductions we have all the original replacement parts, but the idea of a restoration is to keep some of the old. So we would on an original keep the chrome even though it may have some dings or dents, we would keep all the original glass if we need to replace one or two pieces we would do it on the side hopefully that would be next to the wall. The stainless steel covers would be kept original and basically you would wash the table down and refinish the parts with wear. However, you would not run the side cabinet boards through a sander and make them look like brand new. Here are some pictures to a fully restored original this was kept in tack for antiquity value:

Many of the tables that have been restored look like brand new and many of the original components have been replaced or exchanged. The sides and end is often sanded down and refinished to new condition. This is nice but you really no longer have an antique but an old restored Rock-Ola shuffleboard. In this case, why not just buy a new Rock-Ola shuffleboard table from McClure Tables.