Help ID? Rambow? Initials?

Kobachi

Scarred but Smarter
I might pick this cue up, a buddy who collects antiques from estates picked this up a while back, now he wants to unload it.

It's a bit rough, one of the ivory dots in the points is missing, a lot of scars, nothing too deep. 4 shafts, three match the initials on the forearm, one is different.

The initials on the butt, and 3 shafts are: H S M

One shaft has : B M H

The case, which is very, and I mean VERY tired, has the H S M on a what looks to be brass plate, and the cover of the lid.

Maybe a titlist forearm, 4 veneers, ivory dots in the points, ivory butt, 2 veneers above the ivory butt w/ 5 ivory dots.

Anybody have a clue on the initials? I have, nor does he, have any idea where this cue originated from.

If anyone has a clue or an idea of the initials, I'd really appreciate any input. Also, any suggestions of what one would pay to own this, what's a fair price. Would you suggest to have this restored? Or leave it be...

Also, this case, it's really bad. The bottom, or what used to be a bottom, you have to hold it on both ends lest you want the cue/shafts to fall out on either end. The handle is gone. The tooling looks like it was nice for the day. Can something like this be restored? Did Rambow make cases?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Kevin.
 

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Looks very Ramboish to me. And the case is almost identical to one in my collection, it had a makers mark under one of the straps. I will try to dig it out, as it is in much better condition, and I am curious if anyone knows the history of the case or case maker. Might take a day or so as it is somewhere in the pile.
 
Rambow

HSM could be anybody bur typically if the players initials are on the shafts, the name is on the forearm.

As far as the value it's hard to say.
You can send the cue to Paul Rubino for authentication but I'm sure it's worth at least $1000.
I don't know if Mr. Rubino will put a value on the cue.
Deano Andrews will make an estimate but he charges a lot more.
The recent one on Ebay that went fro $2900 was a Hoppe which are more valuable and there could of been some shill bidding going on.

Someday they will start going up in value.
 
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Ok.

It's 100% a Rambow.
Ivory buttcap.
Original shafts.

The case?

Well, what you have there is an original A.E. Schmit, not a brunswick.
Very rare case, too bad it's it that condition.

If you ever watch the movie "the hustler", Fast Eddie carries the same tooled case.

Very nice cue sir.

If you are interested in selling it, or just the case, let me know.

Have a safe holiday.


chris G <-------------knows his old cues and cases pretty good
413-297-2100
 
The case?

Well, what you have there is an original A.E. Schmit, not a brunswick.
Very rare case, too bad it's it that condition.

If you ever watch the movie "the hustler", Fast Eddie carries the same tooled case.

chris G <-------------knows his old cues and cases pretty good
413-297-2100

Exactly what I was thinking. Definately an AE Schmidt case.
 
Well...

I bought it. Now I have to figure out what to do with it. Thanks to all for replying about the cue, and the pictures of the AE Schmidt case, very cool, so that's what this case used to look like...this one is distressed to say the least.

Opinions about the cue...what would some of you do? Going up from the butt end, the ivory butt is excellent, wrap is original, down to the bit of overlap of finish on the ends of the wrap. The points are raised but ok, one ivory dot missing in the points.....

The kicker...the joint. The pin was replaced at some point. The collar is original. A fellow AZ'er mentioned where I could get a replacement pin, same size/style that Herman used back in the day.

My question for everyone is...I plan on keeping this cue, not flipping it. What would some of you do, as far as refinishing this, restoring it? The initials on the forearm are about 70% there (HSM), same initials on the shafts.

I have an idea about, if I were to get it restored by a Schick or Hercek or someone of that caliber, to get it finished right, it might entail having the forearm finished, which might eliminate the original letters on the forearm. But since I'm planning on keeping the cue, I have a thought about just making it a cue for me, it will always be a Rambow, but putting a "modern" twist on it. I'll probably never find out who "HSM" is, my best guess is Hart Schaffner and Marx, a big time suit/clothing manufacturer here in Chicago, but that's a big time guess.

Why not get it totally restored/finished, and since it's pritty far gone, why not have the restore done, and maybe have my initials put on it by the restorer? I know it might be sacreligious, but again, the cue is distressed, and might stand for a total redo, why not put my stamp, or rather, the stamp of the restorer on it? "my iniitials" by "Schick" or "hercek" or whomever? I wonder if either of these would even entertain this idea.

Please don't crucify me for this idea, I'm just entertaining ideas. I'd like to play with this cue, and I guess I could just replace the pin and be done, but the points will only get worse if I leave them alone, and to get the points right, would probably involve having the original initials removed from the forearm. What to do???
 
I don't think he will sell Chris

I contacted him and he me a while back.
Nick :)


<<<<<<<---------------CrabCakes!
 
What you have is considered a fancy Rambow, and it would certainly be a shame to remove it's history. Under no circumstances would I remove the initials. To maintain maximum value, send it to Scott Sherbine or someone that Deno Andrews recommends, and have the dot, pin, and joint collars replaced and call it a day. It's a nice piece, even in fair condition. Give me a call if you would like to sell her some day.
Mr H
 
Nice

I PMed who had an origional pin and could replaced it. I wouldn't touch anything else.
Nick :)
 
This cue, even in it's present condition, should be worth about a minimum of 5K. Much more in a better economy! Don't even think about selling it without getting it authenicated first! Unless, of course, you sell it to me...LOL.
 
Not

Condition and documentation really are what collectors will pay more for. I don't see how or where you can just say 5K here. Not at all. It is nice but not pristine andis missing Rambo's signature on the butt. His signature and present origional condition has a great affect on this cues value.
One thing that would concern me is that the buttcap looks smaller than the butt sleeve. Wood shrinks. Ivory doesn't. Maybe it is just the photograph.
Nick :)
 
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Condition and documentation really are what collectors will pay more for. I don't see how or where you can just say 5K here. Not at all. It is nice but not pristine andis missing Rambo's signature on the butt. His signature and present origional condition has a great affect on this cues value.
One thing that would concern me is that the buttcap looks smaller than the butt sleeve. Wood shrinks. Ivory doesn't. Maybe it is just the photograph.
Nick :)

It's the picture. The butt is flush with the sleeve, the two veneer rings above the ivory is making it look like it's smaller in the picture. No signature on the forearm, but it does have the initials HSM, which match the shafts...but I agree, not a 5K cue, especially in this condition.
 
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