The History of Cue Cases?

[Biloxi Boy]

A case needs a handle and some pockets. Those Fellini cases don't cut it out for the modern pool player. Vintage cues and custom cues can be used to play today but not the usage of an old case.

Cases don't need handles and pockets as much as a cue needs a case. The old "naked" tube cases were a much welcomed addition when they came. Some folks just don't know, or can't remember, where pool actually comes from. Thankfully, there are some "modern" pool players who have their priorities properly arranged and know what they have to have to play. Cue cases have not always been a substitute for fanny packs.

There was a time, and not too long ago, that many folks did not have cue cases -- they toted their cues around in a piece of a blanket, a towel, etc., or just, imagine, nothing at all. Some smart dudes kept their original mailing tubes and used them. But fact was, for a time, cases were far less common than cues -- that's why/how the old gun and fishing rod cases ever found their way in the pool hall door.

I also think there was the matter of economics. In the day [gasp] we did not own cues -- we were accustomed to playing off the wall for free, so shelling out the coins for our own two-piece cue alone was a significant move. Getting a case was, like, manana. Also, remember this, in the beginning, cues were still only a tool, and we worried little about them getting dinged up. Like the cues on the wall, and the cats at the table, the blemishes of battle were just all a part of it.

 

[Mr. Joshua]

A case needs a handle and some pockets. Those Fellini cases don't cut it out for the modern pool player. Vintage cues and custom cues can be used to play today but not the usage of an old case.

You also thought that the brand-new Jack Justice Prolite wasn't worth much. It got posted on FB for $2K + shipping, reduced to $1,800, and then sold. I'd like to see a picture of your old JB Leather case.

 

[trob]

I feel like I need one of the old cases in that photo to put my original Willie Hoppe in .

 

[Chopdoc]

Some people break, jump, masse, and play with one cue, so the Fellini is just fine.

I did exactly that for a long time.

 

[Chopdoc]

I feel like I need one of the old cases in that photo to put my original Willie Hoppe in .

I love putting old cues in period correct cases.

 

[billiards_watch]

You also thought that the brand-new Jack Justice Prolite wasn't worth much. It got posted on FB for $2K + shipping, reduced to $1,800, and then sold. I'd like to see a picture of your old JB Leather case.

My friend sold his brand new one he never used to a kid for $200. The kid uses the heck out of it and still has the key in it. LOL
Maybe its worth 2k to some and $200 to others. It's not that big of a deal to me because I'm old enough, at one time, seen every old timer in my pool hall with a Justis.

Since Jack's passing, all the new players love his cases. It's fine because you can't get it anymore. Those that used it for decades didn't like the weight.

Again, the modern pool player would need a handle and at least a pocket is all I'm saying.

 

[billiards_watch]

I disagree. I owned a GTF for over 10 years, and now I have a JB History case which doesn’t have any pockets either. Only accessory I own is one of those last4ever tip tools that I keep in my car.


View attachment 813817

Yes and I said your case is very nice!

 

[billiards_watch]

Cases don't need handles and pockets as much as a cue needs a case. The old "naked" tube cases were a much welcomed addition when they came. Some folks just don't know, or can't remember, where pool actually comes from. Thankfully, there are some "modern" pool players who have their priorities properly arranged and know what they have to have to play. Cue cases have not always been a substitute for fanny packs.

There was a time, and not too long ago, that many folks did not have cue cases -- they toted their cues around in a piece of a blanket, a towel, etc., or just, imagine, nothing at all. Some smart dudes kept their original mailing tubes and used them. But fact was, for a time, cases were far less common than cues -- that's why/how the old gun and fishing rod cases ever found their way in the pool hall door.

I also think there was the matter of economics. In the day [gasp] we did not own cues -- we were accustomed to playing off the wall for free, so shelling out the coins for our own two-piece cue alone was a significant move. Getting a case was, like, manana. Also, remember this, in the beginning, cues were still only a tool, and we worried little about them getting dinged up. Like the cues on the wall, and the cats at the table, the blemishes of battle were just all a part of it.

I get what you are saying but we have to carry a lot of junk. Phone, key, lighter, wallet, knives and guns. Its kind of hard to have all of that on you. The reason why I mentioned pockets is so I can dump by stuff into it and not worry. Fully concentrating on my match.

 

[Chopdoc]

Some people break, jump, masse, and play with one cue, so the Fellini is just fine.

This is why tip tools were on key chains. Chalk was free, you didn't bring it. No such thing as branded microfiber towels to carry. No extensions.

Walking in with such a case was a signal.
Now guys walk in with a load of gear, even bangers. Beware the one that walks in with a Fellini even today.

 

[Chopdoc]

I get what you are saying but we have to carry a lot of junk. Phone, key, lighter, wallet, knives and guns. Its kind of hard to have all of that on you. The reason why I mentioned pockets is so I can dump by stuff into it and not worry. Fully concentrating on my match.

You don't carry your gun on your person?
Now I think you are pretending. I hope so anyway. Definitely you have nothing to contribute here anyway. Have you seen the thread title?

 

[Biloxi Boy]

This is why tip tools were on key chains. Chalk was free, you didn't bring it. No such thing as branded microfiber towels to carry. No extensions.

Walking in with such a case was a signal.
Now guys walk in with a load of gear, even bangers. Beware the one that walks in with a Fellini even today.

Time was my pool hall had everything I needed to work on a cue in a box behind the counter -- remember, the cues belonged to them. The contents of the box -- scuffer, shaper, sandpaper, Scott's pad, etc., -- were all there for everyone to use. (When you got a cue tuned up right, you tried to hide it.) The pool halls continued this practice even after we all got our own cues. There was usually a gun under there, too, but you better not #($# with it.

 

[Mr. Joshua]

I'm guessing you didn't have to bring your knives and guns. I want to shoot where billiards-watch plays. The closest I got was bullet holes in the door.

 

[billiards_watch]

Time was my pool hall had everything I needed to work on a cue in a box behind the counter -- remember, the cues belonged to them. The contents of the box -- scuffer, shaper, sandpaper, Scott's pad, etc., -- were all there for everyone to use. (When you got a cue tuned up right, you tried to hide it.) The pool halls continued this practice even after we all got our own cues. There was usually a gun under there, too, but you better not #($# with it.

Yea I remember those days but this is 2025 and none of that exists where I play.

 

[Mr. Joshua]

My friend sold his brand new one he never used to a kid for $200. The kid uses the heck out of it and still has the key in it. LOL
Maybe its worth 2k to some and $200 to others. It's not that big of a deal to me because I'm old enough, at one time, seen every old timer in my pool hall with a Justis.

Since Jack's passing, all the new players love his cases. It's fine because you can't get it anymore. Those that used it for decades didn't like the weight.

Again, the modern pool player would need a handle and at least a pocket is all I'm saying.

I do want to see your beat-up JB leather case. I'm not knocking them; I have three of his leather cases, but I also appreciate the classics as pictured below, especially carrying them for one pocket.