1970s Gandy Cue

M

mbag102

New member
Hey,

I'm new to the pool playing community and am looking at buying my first cue. I have a budget somewhere in the $150 range. Whatever cue I buy, I will likely be using for a number of years to come and wanted to know people's thoughts.

I have the opportunity to buy a virtually brand new Gandy Cue for $150 and was told it cost $275 back in 1970 when it was first purchased. I attached some pictures below. Does anyone know anything about Ricco/Gandy Cues? Are they good? Is this more a piece of nostalgia or a good functional cue? I was told buy the seller that this is perfect to fit my needs but I'm always skeptical of taking advice from someone who is trying to sell to me.

This is 57 1/2 inches. 21 ounces. I am 5' 8" - 180 lbs

Pictures are posted below.

Thanks,
Mike

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This looks like it could be an HC-140 Gandy. If so it sold for $60.00 in the '70s. Don't know what it would be worth today. I have a Gandy HC-145 I purchased new in 1974 for $64.00. I still have the cue and the receipt.
 
CLAUD said:
This looks like it could be an HC-140 Gandy. If so it sold for $60.00 in the '70s. Don't know what it would be worth today. I have a Gandy HC-145 I purchased new in 1974 for $64.00. I still have the cue and the receipt.
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I was going to say about the same thing. My guess would have been closer to $40.00. Weren't they actually National cues? I remember getting a nice Palmer for about $40.00 about that same time. I also got a Gina from Ernie in 1970 for $150.00 with MOP inlay. There is no way that cue cost $275.00 in 1970. in fact $275.00 in 1975 got me a Szamboti directly from Gus. You wonder where these people come up with this stuff.
 
I know where the cue is from, it was actually for sale for about $100, I think $90, then he must have seen this site because I asked about it here before buying it and price doubled. He never replied to me when I offered to pick it up when he had it on the original price.

I think the value I got for it was $150 from here.

It's in great shape for an old cue though and will likely have as good of a hit as any other cue in that price range and maybe better than some.

If you're near Ayer, come by The Billiards Cafe Sunday at 3, we'll talk cues :)
 
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mbag102 said:
I'm about 45 minutes from Ayer. I will check my schedule but you may end up finding me there.
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That's exactly how far I am from there, straight South near Worcester. My son's Jr league is in Ayer, they start at 2:30 and we leave about 4:30 for an evening league in Leominster/Fitchburg.

Look for a bald guy with glasses and a beard reading AZBilliards on the couch near the front :thumbup:

I was willing to get that cue for $100 just to own an older cue in that nice shape, and it would have been a bargain for me, it's in super shape for an older cue, you probably will be pretty happy with it if nothing is loose in it. I don't think it's one of those cheaply made cues, although it was a cheaper cue.

If you want something newer, Players HXT series are great for the price and are in your price range. One of the girls in the junior league has my son's old HXT and I'll ask her if you can try it if you want.
Although she put quite a few dings in the shaft.
 
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mbag102 said:
Thats what this seems to indicate. How does your HC-145 compare to a $150 McDermott?

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My HC-145 is a very solid cue with a stiff hit. This was my first cue and the one I really learned to play with. I have a lot of cues now and no longer play with the Gandy. I have never played with a McDermott.
 
macguy said:
I was going to say about the same thing. My guess would have been closer to $40.00. Weren't they actually National cues? I remember getting a nice Palmer for about $40.00 about that same time. I also got a Gina from Ernie in 1970 for $150.00 with MOP inlay. There is no way that cue cost $275.00 in 1970. in fact $275.00 in 1975 got me a Szamboti directly from Gus. You wonder where these people come up with this stuff.
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Yes, they were National cues. I remember looking at the Palmer brochure at the same time I was looking at the Gandy. The price on the Palmer I liked was higher. I was in college and worked in the university gameroom. Every dollar counted so I chose the Gandy. I really like the rosewood Gandy but if I knew then what a nice Palmer would be going for today......
 
I bought the same stick in 1978 when I was 16 years old for Christmas. It cost 75$. still have the stick and my wife plays with it now. Had it refinished it looks brand new won a lot of money with that stick!!!
 
what it sold for 30 years ago has no bearing on what it's worth now. at $150. you should grab it.
 
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