Is this Really a Balabushka?
- Thread starter atthecat
- Start date
Looks real to me.....
I'm not an expert but I've seen about 5 of these in my lifetime. If it's a copy it would fool me but before I would pay 4,000 for it I would figure out how to make sure.
I'm not an expert but I've seen about 5 of these in my lifetime. If it's a copy it would fool me but before I would pay 4,000 for it I would figure out how to make sure.
I would think so, as does Tascarella.
. He did those clear window cues, with the rings inside the window. It's a very nice cue. I like the fact he started with a low number to induce some bids. It will be interesting to see where this ends.JV
I would think so, as does Tascarella.
JV
I wish I could buy it............
I am by no means an expert, but with a Tasc LOA I would bid if I had the cash.
Yes, he did make some of these window cues and they had this look. According to the Billiards Encyclopedia he made them in response to customer requests due to the popularity of the Palmer Model 6 from their First catalog, which was likely the first window cue with a large window and was very popular in the 1960's. Unlike Palmer, I have not seen a name personalization on a Balabushka cue.
http://palmercollector.com/Model6Page.html
It looks like a nice cue - I would imagine he will get $7000 for it even though his pictures are terrible.
Chris
CUE LOOKS NICE, AND I'D TAKE PETE'S WORD FOR IT.
AS FAR AS THE WRAP, IT LOOKS TO BE NEWER, AND PETE DOES NOT MENTION THAT IT IS ORIGINAL, SO I'D SAY IT WAS RE-WRAPPED.
Marcus
AS FAR AS THE WRAP, IT LOOKS TO BE NEWER, AND PETE DOES NOT MENTION THAT IT IS ORIGINAL, SO I'D SAY IT WAS RE-WRAPPED.
Marcus
Thanks Marcus.
It doesn't really matter if George made the cue (which it sure looks like he did to me). If Tasc says its a Bushka its a Bushka, if he says its not then its not.
I'd much rather speculate about this guys reserve price. Anybody know ?
Well I guess a better question would be, does anybody know and want to share?
Thanks
Kevin
I'd much rather speculate about this guys reserve price. Anybody know ?
Well I guess a better question would be, does anybody know and want to share?
Thanks
Kevin
This could certainly be an Authentic Balabushka, George did make Titlist Conversions during the time frame listed with clear Windows in the cues butt. But this cue has been handled and cleaned if not restored, the Butt Cap material doesn't look like the Delrin George used, and the Linen doesn't appear to be Cortland #9 Irish Linen. But it could just be the photo's which are in my opinion enough to tease but not close enough to clearly see many details clearly include the letter of Authenticity.
I am not knocking the guys sale, but if I was considering the purchase of this cue I would ask for additional photo's and I would also contact Pete Tascarella and see if he wrote the letter for this cue.
JIMO
Ron,
The wrap looks new to me which is definitely a turn-off for a Balabushka. I was trying to read the letter - I can't read it. People paying that much for a cue deserve excellent photos and a clean scan of the Tascarella letter.
Chris
The cue has definitely been polished up.
It's hard to tell from the pics, but I think the buttcap is original. Here's a pic of an original Bushka buttcap I took (the bumper is reproduction) - looks like similar material to me.
Chris
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Looks just like one I used to own. I also had another one that had been broken. I made a tribute cue using a Titlist and the parts from the bottom of the original Bushka several years ago but I signed that cue. I'd say it's real from what I can see in the pics.
atthecat...There are seven variables to authenticate Bushkas (and I would certainly trust Pete Tascarella's opinion). This cue looks right, but as Tate said, the pics aren't very clear. It's definitely not Cortland linen, which means a rewrap...but at least it's not been 'refinished. The finish is worn (mine was still very shiny, even after almost 20 yrs of daily play), but I've seen some of Fatboy's Bushkas, including his favorite, and it looked a lot like this one. Nice cue! I got $4K for mine in 1992, and it was 10 newer than this one.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Thanks for all the info Scott. I just don't know my Bushkas all that well. I thought it was a Palmer at first glance. LOL
when in doubt right click
Tate just right click the pic and select save as,download it and you can read it in a program like windows picture and fax viewer.
Curious as to the sellers name he said he played with it in the 70s in U.S. open tourneys.
Tate just right click the pic and select save as,download it and you can read it in a program like windows picture and fax viewer.
Curious as to the sellers name he said he played with it in the 70s in U.S. open tourneys.
Bushka windows...
JV
I had already tried downloading the letter fully enlarged but it wasn't large eough to read. I expanded the sie but the letters just pixelized. What does it say about the originality?
Chris