Value of 87-7 Signed Helmstetter Cue

Gate City

Owner of Gate City Billia
Silver Member
Does anyone know the value (or the best way to appraise the value) of this cue. According to the Blue Book, an original signed Helmstetter is "highly collectable".

Below are some pictures.

Helmstetter 009small.jpg

Helmstetter 001Small.jpg

Helmstetter 002Small.jpg

Helmstetter 008small.jpg
 
Bieng something of an Helmstetter/Adams afficiendo, I think what is meant by original signed is the series cues done by Helmstetter in the mid 80's which are signed R. J. Helmstetter 1 of 25, 1 of 50, etc. etc. The one you have is probably worth $250 tops. Just my opinion, but I've had a number of these over the years. The plus is these are reall great hitting and playing cues..avmaster.
 
Does anyone know the value (or the best way to appraise the value) of this cue. According to the Blue Book, an original signed Helmstetter is "highly collectable".

Below are some pictures.

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View attachment 63742

I recently picked one up one of these EXACT cues. I'm just trying to find out more information about this specific model. I can't find anything in the Blue Book but all the Helmstetters I see have stainless joints and this does not. Also the signature on mine appears to have been done in gold pen.

I was wondering if someone had any additional information at all OR even an old catalog.
 
It's hard to see in the picture, but mine is gold too. This cue is so different than any other Helmstetter I have ever seen. I bought this new about 25 years ago from a reputable resaler, so I know it's not a fake.
 
That cue is not hand signed. They used different colors depending on the color of the wood. "Signed" cues will say R. C. Helmstetter and have a #. The stamped "Helmstetter" is common to all their production cues. You might get anywhere from $150-250 for it on THAT auction site. If you do decide to sell it, let me know...I like it.
 
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Yes, signed by Richard Helmstetter cues are very collectable. The forearm in the pic, is one of the standard markings. I think that is stenciled on. I've had a couple marked like that, regular production. Well made and good looking in my opinion.
 
The thing I don't understand is why the joint is so differnet than any other Helmstetter I have ever seen.
 
I suppose the signature could be stenciled. To me it looks like a gold leaf pen was used to sign the cue. I just bought the cue because I liked the look of it.

When I received it I was even more impressed. Definitely a full splice. The finish was a little beat up. I even went so far as to shoot a couple of racks with it. Feels pretty solid.

I decided to get Wes Hunter to do a refinish because for me this is a keeper due to style, etc. He actually finished the refinish and I will pick the cue up tonight.

As I said I can't find any information on the cue. Where did you get the model 87-7?
 
The thing I don't understand is why the joint is so differnet than any other Helmstetter I have ever seen.

Because this the firt one like this you have seen?:)

Sorry - couldn't resist.

Dicks factory made thousands of cues - using every concievable joint material.

The 'signed' and numbered line -allegedly made by Richard himself,
were offered in the 80s.

They had Steel joints and a traditional look and cost more than
a Boti.

IMHO that line sorta morphed into the original Helms 'Bushkas"

You might want to PM Jayman - he knows tons about Adam/Helms cues

HTH
Dale
 
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I know two guys that had helmstetter cue's with the stenciled writing, and they had them refinished and the helmstetter came off during the refinishing, they were told it was nothing they could do about it. Didnt really matter as they were told up front it may happen , the one guy kinda had a cow about it, till he was told it was not a collectable . <<<<
 
These are nice cues but they are not Custom Helmstetter cues, they are production cues. The cue was made in the 1990's, even though it says that the cue is a 87-7, this is not the year it is the cues series.

Below I have posted the Original catalog with the retail price listing when it was made.

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1.jpg

If the cue is straight, it is worth around $200, this is because Helmstetter Production cues were made in Japan. It also has to do with the fact that there is no Collector interest, which I do not agree with at all. The cues are great hitting cues in my opinion, and if I were you I would use it as a player.
 
Thanks, this is the first time I have ever seen this cue pictured.

However, it was made in the 80's because I bought it in the 80's in Pennsylvania when I lived there. It's not uncommon for a cue to be made for several years. Just look at Viking, McDermott, Luscsi, Players, etc..
 
These are nice cues but they are not Custom Helmstetter cues, they are production cues. The cue was made in the 1990's, even though it says that the cue is a 87-7, this is not the year it is the cues series.

Below I have posted the Original catalog with the retail price listing when it was made.

View attachment 99865

View attachment 99866

View attachment 99867

View attachment 99868

If the cue is straight, it is worth around $200, this is because Helmstetter Production cues were made in Japan. It also has to do with the fact that there is no Collector interest, which I do not agree with at all. The cues are great hitting cues in my opinion, and if I were you I would use it as a player.

Thanks for showing the catalog. That was what I was looking for. As I mentioned Wes Hunter did my refinish and it turned out GREAT. He also replaced the wrap with White/Green linen. Looks more vintage. Points are sharp and even. More importantly he was able to keep the signature perfectly intact. Definitely one of my keepers.
 
I have 87-9 bought it around 1992 or so, great cue I still use it as my primary cue today, although thinking of getting another one. I used to like the Meucci's because I could draw really good with them for some reason. Finally got my own table so playing much more.

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Like others have said, these cues play really well, just don't fetch much money. Sad, seeing there quality is much better then a lot of customs I've seen
 
Would you be willing to sell your Helmstetter cues catalog?

A quick check shows that the last post before your question was in 2014, Craig's last post here at all was in 2013. He may check in from time to time but hasn't posted anything since then. Did you check the post dates??
 
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