Up for sale is a highly collectible, original1979 Custom Richard Black pool cue, featuring the sought-after "Fires" design elements.
While many custom cues from various eras can become overly busy or "overdressed" with excessive inlays, this particular piece stands out for it's exceptionally clean, crisp look and highly tasteful design. It strikes the perfect balance for a collector or player who appreciates classic, elegant aesthetics over cluttered styling. This forum was good enough to put out the effort to go through some old Richard Black literature and found this cue, coming from the after 6:00 collection
This is a true single-owner cue with rich Pacific Northwest history. I purchased this cue brand new, directly from the Professional Dealer, Player & Craftsman, George "Whitey" Michaels, for $1,800.00, while he was custom-building my new pool table for me. It has been meticulously cared for ever since. Used exclusively by me only. For serious collectors of high-end, classic cue making, Richard Black's work from this exact era represents some of the finest craftsmanship in the business.
The Straightness & Roll Test:
Individual Pieces: All three pieces (the butt and both original shafts) roll 100% dead straight on their own.
Connected: When assembled with either shaft, the entire cue connects tightly and rolls perfectly straight on the table without a single millimeter of lift or wobble.
Physical Specifications & Dimensions:
Overall Length: 58 inches
Total Weight: 21 oz (Approx. 600 grams)
Butt size- 1" 9/32"
Shaft Taper & Balance Includes two (2) original shafts configured as a matched performance pair. They are balanced exactly the same for the set, but feature two distinct setups:
Shaft 1: Measures 18/32 at the bottom of the tip wrap where the shaft enters it.
Shaft 2 Measures 16/32" at the bottom of the tip wrap where the shaft enters it, making it precisely 2 grams lighter than Shaft 1 for a slightly er, lower-deflection playing feel.
Specifications & Details:
Maker: Richard Black (Custom)
Year 1979
Design: Custom "Fires" aesthetic details.
Provenance: Single-owner history, purchased brand new directly from Northwest dealer, player, and craftsman Whitey Michaels during a custom table build.
Whitey finished my pool table the day before Christmas 1979 and had his crew deliver and set up my new table. Christmas morning , I had managed to assemble some close friends with an interest at my home because Whitey was coming out there. He showed up and told me, he was going to show us how my new pool table and Richard Black Cue worked. He put on a show for us for about an hour doing jump shots, 3 rail shots, etc. It was great! A real Christmas treat for us all.
Condition: Excellent, well-maintained structure and finish. Straight, clean, and handles beautifully. No nicks or scratches.
This cue has been valued by experts at approximately $3,000.00 retail and $2,250.00 wholesale. It is priced defensively here for a fast sale to a buyer who recognizes the true value of a complete, straight-rolling dual-shaft classic package.
Price: $1,950.00
Serious inquiries only. Please send a Private Message (PM) through the forum for fast response, additional specific photos, or to arrange secure payment and shipping.
While many custom cues from various eras can become overly busy or "overdressed" with excessive inlays, this particular piece stands out for it's exceptionally clean, crisp look and highly tasteful design. It strikes the perfect balance for a collector or player who appreciates classic, elegant aesthetics over cluttered styling. This forum was good enough to put out the effort to go through some old Richard Black literature and found this cue, coming from the after 6:00 collection
This is a true single-owner cue with rich Pacific Northwest history. I purchased this cue brand new, directly from the Professional Dealer, Player & Craftsman, George "Whitey" Michaels, for $1,800.00, while he was custom-building my new pool table for me. It has been meticulously cared for ever since. Used exclusively by me only. For serious collectors of high-end, classic cue making, Richard Black's work from this exact era represents some of the finest craftsmanship in the business.
The Straightness & Roll Test:
Individual Pieces: All three pieces (the butt and both original shafts) roll 100% dead straight on their own.
Connected: When assembled with either shaft, the entire cue connects tightly and rolls perfectly straight on the table without a single millimeter of lift or wobble.
Physical Specifications & Dimensions:
Overall Length: 58 inches
Total Weight: 21 oz (Approx. 600 grams)
Butt size- 1" 9/32"
Shaft Taper & Balance Includes two (2) original shafts configured as a matched performance pair. They are balanced exactly the same for the set, but feature two distinct setups:
Shaft 1: Measures 18/32 at the bottom of the tip wrap where the shaft enters it.
Shaft 2 Measures 16/32" at the bottom of the tip wrap where the shaft enters it, making it precisely 2 grams lighter than Shaft 1 for a slightly er, lower-deflection playing feel.
Specifications & Details:
Maker: Richard Black (Custom)
Year 1979
Design: Custom "Fires" aesthetic details.
Provenance: Single-owner history, purchased brand new directly from Northwest dealer, player, and craftsman Whitey Michaels during a custom table build.
Whitey finished my pool table the day before Christmas 1979 and had his crew deliver and set up my new table. Christmas morning , I had managed to assemble some close friends with an interest at my home because Whitey was coming out there. He showed up and told me, he was going to show us how my new pool table and Richard Black Cue worked. He put on a show for us for about an hour doing jump shots, 3 rail shots, etc. It was great! A real Christmas treat for us all.
Condition: Excellent, well-maintained structure and finish. Straight, clean, and handles beautifully. No nicks or scratches.
This cue has been valued by experts at approximately $3,000.00 retail and $2,250.00 wholesale. It is priced defensively here for a fast sale to a buyer who recognizes the true value of a complete, straight-rolling dual-shaft classic package.
Price: $1,950.00
Serious inquiries only. Please send a Private Message (PM) through the forum for fast response, additional specific photos, or to arrange secure payment and shipping.
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