In the pantheon of custom billiards cues, few names command the reverence reserved for Gus Szamboti, whose masterful creations from the 1970s are often hailed as the Stradivarius of the pool world—timeless instruments of unparalleled playability, craftsmanship, and investment value, prized by serious players and collectors alike.
This exquisite original Gus Szamboti cue, crafted in the mid-to-late 1970s during the golden era of his production, exemplifies the legendary precision and aesthetic harmony that define his legacy. Upon close inspection, it reveals itself as a pristine example of Szamboti’s iconic four-point design, executed with flawless symmetry and the subtle elegance that elevates it to collectible masterpiece status.
The forearm is crafted from highly figured Birdseye Maple, its dense, shimmering eyes dancing under light to create a captivating visual depth. Rising sharply from this canvas are four ebony points, each framed by vibrant veneers in black, orange, lime green, and natural maple—a bold yet balanced color progression that was a hallmark of Gus’s innovative style in this period, adding both structural integrity and striking contrast.
The joint is a robust stainless steel configuration with a 5/16x14 piloted pin, accented by black trim collars featuring an eight-index ring of alternating black and orange veneers sandwiched around a slender maple ring, providing a seamless transition and a signature decorative flourish.
A classic green speckled Irish linen wrap offers exceptional grip and a nod to traditional feel, while the butt sleeve—three inches of rich ebony—extends the dark, sophisticated theme. The cue concludes with a 1.5-inch milk-white Delrin butt cap and a secure black rubber bumper fastened by an Allen screw.
The butt measures approximately 28.75 inches and weighs 15.6 ounces, pairing perfectly with shafts of 29.25 inches. It includes two original shafts at 12.75mm (4.0 and 4.1 ounces) topped with 1-inch ivory ferrules, delivering that legendary Szamboti “hit” renowned for its solid feedback and control. Complementing these are three later Szamboti shafts at full 13mm (two at 4.1 ounces, one at 4.2 ounces), expanding versatility for modern play.
Overall, the cue remains straight, structurally sound, and in good used condition—bearing the honest patina of careful play without compromising its integrity. Unmarked as all true Gus Szamboti cues are, its authenticity has been confirmed through expert examination.
With only a limited number of cues produced by Gus before his passing in 1988, originals like this—especially from the 1970s with multiple shafts and classic veneer combinations—are extraordinarily rare and highly sought after, representing not just a playing tool but a tangible piece of billiards history.
