old cue id

[jrackman]

Hi, a much older friend that I know wanted me to put a new wrap on his cue that his father gave him along time ago. He said he he know's his father had it since atleast the 30's or maybe the early 40's and don't know how long before that. Well when I saw it my first thought was "I'm not touching this cue". Anyway can anybody give me any idea who made this or the time era it was made? is it better to leave it as it is with the elec. tape on both ends holding the wrap. The joint collar looks to be ivory but the ferrule is cracked and I can't tell. Any info would be much appreciated. More pics. to come...Thanks in advance

 

[jrackman]

more pics.

 

[TATE]

On the buttsleeve, is there a weight stamp?

Chris

 

[jrackman]

On the buttsleeve, is there a weight stamp?

Chris

Hi Chris, yes but if you didn't look for it you'd never know it was there, "21"....thanks Jeff

 

[TATE]

Since it has a weight stamp, then I would say it's a Brunswick Merry widow from the 20's or somewhere in there (the weight stamp in butt those days was really faint). It looks like the joint has been modified - it should be piloted.

http://www.palmercollector.com/Brunswick/BruswickCollectorColorPlates.html

Maybe this is even older - the 1914 brochure says "twine wrapped" - maybe this is that older version.

You may be able to see a faint outline of the decal on the butt - about the size of a quarter - in the lacquer. Or are there any signs the decal was removed?

How long is the cue?

 

[jrackman]

Since it has a weight stamp, then I would say it's a Brunswick Merry widow from the 20's or somewhere in there (the weight stamp in butt those days was really faint). It looks like the joint has been modified - it should be piloted.

http://www.palmercollector.com/Brunswick/BruswickCollectorColorPlates.html

Maybe this is even older - the 1914 brochure says "twine wrapped" - maybe this is that older version.

You may be able to see a faint outline of the decal on the butt - about the size of a quarter - in the lacquer. Or are there any signs the decal was removed?

How long is the cue?

Chris, I don't see a decal area but can't tell if there was one. The cue is 57'' from the bottom of the butt (not incuding the bumper) to the top of the ferrule.. The shaft is 32-1/8'' long from the case to the top of the ferrule. The butt is just under 24-7/8'' long (not including the bumper)....thanks Jeff

 

[TATE]

Chris, I don't see a decal area but can't tell if there was one. The cue is 57'' from the bottom of the butt (not incuding the bumper) to the top of the ferrule.. The shaft is 32-1/8'' long from the case to the top of the ferrule. The butt is just under 24-7/8'' long (not including the bumper)....thanks Jeff

Yes, I think it's a Brunswick Merry widow from the 1920's then. Probably best not to replace the wrap but maybe you can secure the ends.

Chris

 

[jrackman]

Yes, I think it's a Brunswick Merry widow from the 1920's then. Probably best not to replace the wrap but maybe you can secure the ends.

Chris

Chris thanks for all your time on this. I took the tape off the ends and it looks like the wrap is the way it was when put on as its not loose but is higher then the finish. I'm thinking his father put the tape on just to have a smoother feeling when gripping the cue. I will send better pics. if I can of the wrap area. Do you know what would be the value of a cue like this left as it is and do you think I can/should remove the glue from the electical tape on the finish....Thanks Jeff

 

[The Renfro]

You can usually use scotch tape to remove the glue residue left from the electric tape... It will take some time as it will be slow going but the adhesive on the scotch tape will not be strong enough to lift anything but the residue.....

 

[manwon]

Since it has a weight stamp, then I would say it's a Brunswick Merry widow from the 20's or somewhere in there (the weight stamp in butt those days was really faint). It looks like the joint has been modified - it should be piloted.


Maybe this is even older - the 1914 brochure says "twine wrapped" - maybe this is that older version.

You may be able to see a faint outline of the decal on the butt - about the size of a quarter - in the lacquer. Or are there any signs the decal was removed?

How long is the cue?

Chris, I think you nailed it. I also agree the length is important because that will tell us if it was made to play Billiards or Pocket Pool.

Take care.

 

[jrackman]

this is the best I can do with pics....some pics. may look like the wrap is short in the groove but thats the glue lines from tape on the finish. I will tell the owner to leave the wrap alone but he was insisting I put on a new one, I already told him I wouldn't bother it and to leave it the way it is. Boy have I been getting some doosies the last few days with wraps....again thanks

 

[TATE]

Chris thanks for all your time on this. I took the tape off the ends and it looks like the wrap is the way it was when put on as its not loose but is higher then the finish. I'm thinking his father put the tape on just to have a smoother feeling when gripping the cue. I will send better pics. if I can of the wrap area. Do you know what would be the value of a cue like this left as it is and do you think I can/should remove the glue from the electical tape on the finish....Thanks Jeff

Jeff,

It's hard to say on the value because it's not textbook exact and the decal is missing. You can get a replacement decal for about $40 if you want. I still think the cue would be $500 give or take as is with the decal replaced. The decal would be the gold with red background BBC. A textbook example in decent shape is worth $1000 +.

You can try what the Renfro suggested, but that stuff is probably like tar by now.

First of all, anything I suggest first must be tested against the clear finish and will still probably still leave some stain in the wrap.

You can try this - it will be two stages. Use Goof Off to loosen and get rid of as much of the black goo as possible. It penetrates, loosens and dissolves the adhesive.

http://www.goofoffstainremover.com/cleaning/tape-stickiness-residue-and-stains

It should not affect the clear coat, whether it's lacquer, shellac, or both - but it's still wise to test the clear before you do this.

It will probably still leave some stains in the string. If it does, use Acetone to wipe the wrap. Acetone dries quickly and removes stains - it will not hurt the cotton and leaves behing almost no odor or residue.

This is how I would do it. Let me know how it goes.

Chris

 

[TATE]

Whatever you did, it looks fine.

I haven't really seen super thick twine like that before. I'm thinking it's not original to the cue.

The weight stamp looks just like Brunswick's.

Chris

Chris

 

[jrackman]

Whatever you did, it looks fine.

I haven't really seen super thick twine like that before. I'm thinking it's not original to the cue.

The weight stamp looks just like Brunswick's.

Chris

Chris

Chris,again thanks for your time....I removed the tape and cleaned up the glue as you suggested with goof off (works very well) and with a closer look I agree with you that the wrap has been replaced because it was not tucked under, just cut where it ends and came up short on one end as now I see the wrap groove, which is not real deep so I assume the twine was much thinner also. anyway I will ask the owner what he wants to do about the decal and if he wants to buy it do you have them?. I have been told by some oldtimers that back in the 20's 30's 40's people changed their own wraps, tips etc. because money was so tight with the crash, war and no jobs in general, so it make sense now.