Balabushka cue value?

[macguy]

I the opinion of some of the Balabushka experts out there, what would the approximate value of this model cue be in average condition? I am assuming there are some sales from time to time that may have set some kind of realistic market for Balabushka cues. The cue in the picture is a pretty old one, would there be any extra value being such an early Balabushka even though not very fancy?

http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/georgebalabushka/early/index.htm

I wanted to add this, my question is really, until someone actually puts their hand in their pocket we are just guessing at values. Are there any actual recent sales that have take place that will give an indication of real world values?

 

[Fatboy]

i'm not sure, this is a very cool looking cue and proficient does GREAT work, so thats all good.

i do know the price of them has softened up a little. I doubt they will get any softer.

I accidentally sold one for $4,000 less than I paid, one time, The worst move I ever made in cues LOL, I knew the guy was a little to excited about it. I looked my cost a few weeks later.

best
eric:smile:

 

[macguy]

I the opinion of some of the Balabushka experts out there, what would the approximate value of this model cue be in average condition? I am assuming there are some sales from time to time that may have set some kind of realistic market for Balabushka cues. The cue in the picture is a pretty old one, would there be any extra value being such an early Balabushka even though not very fancy?

http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/georgebalabushka/early/index.htm

deleted posting error

 

[lstevedus]

I would ask Bill at Cornerstone. Just a thought.

 

[kvinbrwr]

I don't think that Bushka you are showing is all that plain. I think the non-Tasc refinish hurts a little (I'm assuming that Scott refinished it?) The Paradise angle is interesting. Here's 3 real life Bushka sales.

1) 5K (plus or minus a few 100):

2) 6K +/-

3) 7K +/-

These are actual sales, not offerins. These results were achieved in well publicized no reserve auctions by a reputable seller on eBay. I think if I wanted to know what I could expect to retail one for (say in a 2 month period), I'd ask Bill at Cornerstone.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[manwon]

I the opinion of some of the Balabushka experts out there, what would the approximate value of this model cue be in average condition? I am assuming there are some sales from time to time that may have set some kind of realistic market for Balabushka cues. The cue in the picture is a pretty old one, would there be any extra value being such an early Balabushka even though not very fancy?

http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/georgebalabushka/early/index.htm

I personally think that if the cue was altered (The Cues Butt and one shaft along with being refinished), even by a famous cue maker that it would detract from the original value of the cue. The only people who really know what modifications were made are Balabushka, the cues owner when the modifications were done, and according to the website Frank Paradise who made the modifications. While the cue looks great for me on all levels it would be a hard sell because you will never know the exact modifications made and because it has also been refinished.

Yes the cue appears to be an old one, but Balabushka was still using some Titlist cues up until late 60's if not the early 70's. However, the design does appear to date the cue to the mid-60's or earlier with the modifications and refinish along with no record of the changes made you just never know.

I also did not see a Letter from Pete Tascarella of authenticity, it addition it obviously wasn't Pete who did the refinish.

Only one opinion of many I am sure!!

 

[TATE]

I the opinion of some of the Balabushka experts out there, what would the approximate value of this model cue be in average condition? I am assuming there are some sales from time to time that may have set some kind of realistic market for Balabushka cues. The cue in the picture is a pretty old one, would there be any extra value being such an early Balabushka even though not very fancy?

http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/georgebalabushka/early/index.htm

I wanted to add this, my question is really, until someone actually puts their hand in their pocket we are just guessing at values. Are there any actual recent sales that have take place that will give an indication of real world values?

First of all, I'm not an expert but have been involved enough to at least chip in a guess.

I really think the 3rd edition Blue Book is pretty close on the values. Typically the Titlist Balabushka's bring less than equally decorated Spain forearmed cues. So I actually think the early ones are worth less. Also they tend not to be the truly classic designs that are now famous.

The Bushka's that seem to draw the bucks are classic designs with the extra rings and inlays. I was involved with one sale where it was listed on ebay some time back, and it was a classic design simlar to the one on the bottom page of 142 of the 3rd ed. Blue Book - this is one of the really classic designs - maybe the most classic Balabushka design - and it auctioned for $12,500.

That being said, Balabushka's don't seem to have the collector attraction of Szamboti's (Barry or Gus). As you know, the refinish would narrow the market.

So my guess on this cue if it were put on an auction on e-bay would be around $6,000 to $7,000, a few thousand less than a comparable Szamboti, but that's a pretty wild guess and I could be well off.

Chris

 

[kvinbrwr]

First of all, I'm not an expert but have been involved enough to at least chip in a guess.

I really think the 3rd edition Blue Book is pretty close on the values. Typically the Titlist Balabushka's bring less than equally decorated Spain forearmed cues. So I actually think the early ones are worth less. Also they tend not to be the truly classic designs that are now famous.

The Bushka's that seem to draw the bucks are classic designs with the extra rings and inlays. I was involved with one sale where it was listed on ebay some time back, and it was a classic design simlar to the one on the bottom page of 142 of the 3rd ed. Blue Book - this is one of the really classic designs - maybe the most classic Balabushka design - and it auctioned for $12,500.

That being said, Balabushka's don't seem to have the collector attraction of Szamboti's (Barry or Gus). As you know, the refinish would narrow the market.

So my guess on this cue if it were put on an auction on e-bay would be around $6,000 to $7,000, a few thousand less than a comparable Szamboti, but that's a pretty wild guess and I could be well off.

Chris

Chris

Gotta have a letter from Tasc. Gotta know which is what, what materials are George vs Frank vs Scott.

Barry has done a GREAT job of preserving the legacy of his dad's, and darned if he hasn't added to the name himself quite a bit. I can't think of another maker who's cues have risen more in value (even in this economy) than Barry's. You oughta get you one of those.

Kevin

 

[classiccues]

I the opinion of some of the Balabushka experts out there, what would the approximate value of this model cue be in average condition? I am assuming there are some sales from time to time that may have set some kind of realistic market for Balabushka cues. The cue in the picture is a pretty old one, would there be any extra value being such an early Balabushka even though not very fancy?

http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/georgebalabushka/early/index.htm

I wanted to add this, my question is really, until someone actually puts their hand in their pocket we are just guessing at values. Are there any actual recent sales that have take place that will give an indication of real world values?

Comparing it to other 4 point cues from guys who haven't made 150 cues in their lives this cue should go for 15k-20k... or more. Reality is a different animal however and if this cue was all original, 2 shafts, etc.. 6-7.5k.

JV