I've heard about Titlist conversions, but I'm curious, where do people find Titlist cues to convert?
Where to find Titlist cues?
- Thread starter cheapcues.com
- Start date
You can find them almost anywhere, but expect to pay between $175 to $300 for one that can be converted they don't come cheap. Many that remain today have problems with veneer deterioration, or with being not large enough in diameter to convert. Remember the Titlist cues were started as a production cue for Brunswick in late 1939 or 1940 as the Willie Hoppe Titlist cue. These cues had Willie Hoppe stamped on the cues forearm above the points, along with the cues weight stamp. Before Brunswick started the production of the Titlist cues they made another cue called the Brunswick 26 1/2, now these cues are easily identified because they look like a Titlist, but they don't have Willie Hoppe stamped on the cues forearm. These cues were in many cases made as what Brunswick called a Trophy cues that were awarded to the winners of Pool and Billiards tournaments. These cues had a wedge in the cues butt that had a Mother of Pearl or Ivory inlay with a name engraved in it, but not all 26 1/2 cues were made this way.
I like the Brunswick 26 1/2 for conversion more so than the Titlist because they are larger in the cues butt, and they cost about the same to purchase.
Hope this helps
E-bay is a good place. I have seen them off, and on for years!
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Don't forget about the Carom King which is the same cue, and came in between the 26.5 and the Titlist.
Further question
I have been searching the forums trying to become more informed about the progression of Brunswick/BBC one piece cues in the 1900's.
How long did the Willie Hoppe Titlist stay in production? (apparently started 1940-41) Was it the same design throughout its run?
Was it followed by the 'True Balance' one piece line? What years was it in production?
Were these cues common as poolroom 'house cues' or for home use or both?
Were they part of a table purchase package? (table/cues/wall rack/balls etc)
In searching, I have found that several members are very knowledgeable about these old cues. I'll keep doing my homework so I can ask a more informed question next time.
Thanks
I have been searching the forums trying to become more informed about the progression of Brunswick/BBC one piece cues in the 1900's.
How long did the Willie Hoppe Titlist stay in production? (apparently started 1940-41) Was it the same design throughout its run?
Was it followed by the 'True Balance' one piece line? What years was it in production?
Were these cues common as poolroom 'house cues' or for home use or both?
Were they part of a table purchase package? (table/cues/wall rack/balls etc)
In searching, I have found that several members are very knowledgeable about these old cues. I'll keep doing my homework so I can ask a more informed question next time.
Thanks
The Titlist pretty much stayed the same from the 40's until Mid-1960's. Then production was moved to Asia, the quality suffered very much, and that is why so many of the famous early cue makers stopped using them and staretd buying blanks from Burton Spain, Gus Szamboti, and others.
The Brunswick model 26 1/2 was the first Brunswick Cue that was American made that had Veneered points. Also to my knowledge they started making them somewhere around 1908 according to early catalog's I have seen. Most of the early ones were Trophy Cues with an Ivory or Mother of Pearl wedge in the bottom of the cue, some will have a name and some do not. The brunswick Model 26 1/2 was the only veneered cue in production until around 1939 when the Carom King started production, and then some in late 1940 early 1941 the Wille Hoppe Titlist cue made it's appearance in both one peice and two peice versions and the rest is history.
Hope this helps.