19th Century Bronze Lion Head Billiard Table Pocket

19th Century bronze lions head billiard table ball return pocket.

This would have been one of four mounted on the corners of a monumental snooker/billiard table.

When a ball landed in a pocket, the lion’s mouth opened revealing the ball within its teeth.

When the ball is returned to the table, the jaw is weighted to close again on its own.

The lion has a bored, resigned look, with upturned eyes looking at the players as if to scoff at the next shot.