LEATHER POOL TABLE POCKETS
MANUFACTURED BY HOOD LEATHER GOODS, MILWAUKEE, WI
# 6 Leather Pool Table Pockets
#6 pocket irons are the most common irons used today. They have a round post on each end of the iron that would go into the end of the rail and bolts through the rail from the bottom.
Now available in 8 colors (below) with matching fringe or your choice of color matching shields.(right)
Complete set of six pockets
$165.00
#3 leather pool table pockets
#3 irons, have a rectangle flange that mounts in a cut out on top of the rail. Modern #3 irons a slightly different than antique #3 irons and may require altering the pool table rails for a proper fit. Same color and trim options as #6 pockets.
Complete set of six pockets
$225.00
Gully Boot pocket sets (ball return tables) Call for Pricing.
Pocket restoration
If it's worth saving, it's worth restoring
Hood Leather Goods has a full time antique restoration specialist on staff to custom manufacture your pockets as close as possible to the original. No matter how obscure or rare the irons are, your pockets can be restored to like new condition. We restore over a thousand sets of pockets each year.
Each pocket is made by hand directly on your irons to insure a custom fit. Our experienced staff can help you with pocket identification and what may have been authentic for the times.
Restoration/conservation is ever changing and Hood Leather has the ability to combine the craftsmanship of yesteryear with the most modern technical refinement to maximize the protection and permanence of each set of pockets. Hood pockets are proudly on display in many museums and private collections throughout the world. Our pockets are even used by heads of state at Camp David.
For more information on pocket restoration contact us
ABOUT HOOD LEATHER GOODS POCKET SETS
In the late 1920's, the company was started by Frank W. Hood, Sr., as a manufacturer of leather saddles. Early on, Mr. Hood realized the demand for saddles would diminish as the automobile became prevalent in society. In the early 1930's, Hood Leather Goods became associated with Wendt Manufacturing Co., which was a pool table manufacturer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hood Leather Goods became their supplier for the leather pool table pockets, as well as Brunswick Corporation and other pool table manufacturers throughout the country. The company survived the Depression and World War II. Frank Hood, Jr. took over the running of the company until his death in the mid-1960's.
The family sold the company to Roy Gates and Dick Quirk in 1968. Mr. Gates and Mr. Quirk were taught the traditions that had been passed down through the Hood family for forty years. The techniques of splitting the leather, forming the leather, dipping and dying the leather were all techniques needed to continue the handcrafted quality of Hood Leather Goods' pockets. Roy and Dick successfully ran the business for 16 years. In 1984, they sold the company to the present owners, Gordon and Sarah Hammill. Gordon and Sarah spent the early years learning the traditions of leather crafting and all aspects of production while building relationships in the billiard industry and slowly growing the company.
In 1992, Hood leather Goods acquired Professional Leather Products, a pocket manufacturer in San Diego, California. It was at this point that Hood Leather Goods started production of vinyl pool table covers. Pool table covers now make up a significant part of the company's production.
Hood Leather Goods is proud of its long tradition in the billiard industry and providing old world handcrafted leather pockets and quality vinyl covers to hundreds of manufacturers and retailers throughout the world.
FAQS
Q. How can I tell what kind of pockets my table has?
A. #6 pocket irons are the most common irons used today. They have a round post on each end of the iron that would go into the rail and a bolt would come up from the bottom. Also available are #3 irons, which have a rectangle flange that sits on top of the rail. Both of these types of tables are known as "antique" or "furniture" style. Old antique tables were available in a wide array of iron types. Some of the styles were: 1- Old #3's, which are similar to new #3's except they usually have a more narrow but longer flange. 2- Old #6's, which also have a slightly different dimension than new #6's. 3- "G" irons, which are similar to #3 irons. 4- 20th Century irons, which are a thicker iron and have small screw holes under the iron for a metal shield to mount. 5- #5 irons which are a smaller and thinner version of #6's. 6- Wenco irons have a square post instead of a round post on each end of the iron. 7- "Special" #5's are similar to Wencos except the side irons have no post at all. These were more common on tables that converted from pool to billiards. Also available were #6, #10, #5, #7, and BCE Snooker irons. These are just a fraction of the iron types that are out in the pocket billiard world. At about 20 sets of antique pocket restorations per week, Hood Leather Goods has built a wealth of information.
Q. My pool table doesn't have irons. It has inside pockets. What kind are these?
A. This type of table is known as a "modern" style table. These pocket liners are available in rubber or leather. The pocket is called a "modern bucket".
Q. Does it matter if the table is a ball return style?
A. Yes, it does. This type of table is also known as a "Gully" or "Subway" table. They are available in either antique or modern style. This type returns all the balls to either end of the table after being pocketed. If you have this type of table, in the antique style, your pockets will need to have a gully boot attached to the bottom. Also, the inside trim, where the ball would strike, is generally deeper into the pocket to hide the fasteners used to attach the boot. If you have the modern style, you will only need a top liner, as the gully boot is built into the table.
Q. How do I care for my leather pockets?
A. Leather pockets will need very little care in order to give you years of faithful service. Periodic cleaning with a damp soft cloth should be all your pockets will need. Do not use a detergent. Also, avoid direct sunlight as your pockets may fade. We recommend you cover your table with a high quality vinyl cover when not in use, to protect both the table and the pockets. This will also extend the life of your pockets.
Q. Why did the finish come off my pockets?
A. While all pockets require some care, if the finish rubs off easily, your pockets were not produced with a quality dye similar to a shoe finish. Some pocket manufacturers paint the finish on the leather for cost savings. These pockets tend to have a very high luster and have a plastic, or waxy feel. The finish on the leather should be dyed into the leather as opposed to painted. Painted on finish is only on the surface and can be easily rubbed off. Dyed leather is steeped into the leather and will take much more abuse. Hood Leather Goods uses only the highest quality leather finishes. This insures the optimum durability combined with a quality leather look to the pockets.
Q. How can I tell if the pockets are of good quality?
A. The highest quality pockets use the highest quality leather. Esthetically, your pockets should be smooth and not have wrinkles on top. This is a sign of inferior leather. Don't be fooled by the words "distressed" or "natural look". These are excuses for choosing poor quality leather. After all, you don't buy brand new shoes with wrinkles. The nets on the pockets should be riveted to the top leather. Pocket nets that are stitched on often unravel if the thread breaks. In addition, check overall appearance and quality of finish, leather, sewing, and riveting.
Q. My pockets are very old but in good condition. Can I replace just the torn nets?
A. Yes. On older pockets, the nets are often the first to go. Typically, when customers want to replace only the nets, other parts of the pocket should be given attention as well. The rest of the pocket may appear to be in good condition, but often, the leather is too dry and brittle to attach new leather nets. Also, if an older table is to be reconditioned and put into service once more, please do not take a short cut on the pockets. You will be disappointed. The remaining leather will not last long.
