Balabushka Cue Authentication

C

coco

New member
Hello. I was wondering if someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

My father purchased a custom cue directly from George Balabushka in the 1964 or 1965. He still has it, and is considering selling it. He'd like to have it authenticated first. Do you have any suggestions? I've heard of two names - Pete Tascarella and Gus Szamboti, but can't find listings or contact information for either of them.

Thank you in advance for your time.

cswanger@mindspring.com
 
coco said:
Hello. I was wondering if someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

My father purchased a custom cue directly from George Balabushka in the 1964 or 1965. He still has it, and is considering selling it. He'd like to have it authenticated first. Do you have any suggestions? I've heard of two names - Pete Tascarella and Gus Szamboti, but can't find listings or contact information for either of them.

Thank you in advance for your time.

cswanger@mindspring.com
Click to expand...

Bill Schick can also help you out. I believe he is at the top with others regarding Balabushka knowledge and authentication.

website: www.billschickoriginals.com
email: info@billschickoriginals.com

I do not have contact info for Tascarella or Szamboti handy, but certainly you will get other responses pointing you to them as well.

Kelly
 
You might consider Richard Black as well - but as I understand it Pete should be your first choice.

Check the Blue Book of Pool Cues for contact info for Pete. If you don't have one, post in main forum, or better yet -> purchase one from Chris Hightower.

Here is Barry's info from the ACA site:
Barry Szamboti
1914 Midfield Road
Feasterville, PA 19053
Phone: 215-357-5032

Here is Richard's (from his website):
Richard Black Custom Cues
P.O. Box 1886, Humble, TX 77347
Phone: 281-852-5025
Fax: 281-852-7936

-td
 
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coco said:
Hello. I was wondering if someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

My father purchased a custom cue directly from George Balabushka in the 1964 or 1965. He still has it, and is considering selling it. He'd like to have it authenticated first. Do you have any suggestions? I've heard of two names - Pete Tascarella and Gus Szamboti, but can't find listings or contact information for either of them.

Thank you in advance for your time.

cswanger@mindspring.com
Click to expand...

Tascarella is the name in Bushka authenticating... Gus might be a little hard to reach.

Joe
 
Authentication

Pete is the way to go. I contacted Gus about four months ago and he referred me to Pete and I got a great authentication letter form Pete along with excellent service. Gus does not do authentication letters according to him but will verbally authenticate it for you. Seeing that you might be looking to sell, you will, without doubt, need a LOA. Hope this helps.

His info is:
Pete Tascarella Custom Cues,
PO Box 66,
Massapequa Park, New York 11762
516-799-8477

I will be putting it up for sale if anyone is interested, PM me.
 
Cuedog said:
Pete is the way to go. I contacted Gus about four months ago and he referred me to Pete and I got a great authentication letter form Pete along with excellent service. Gus does not do authentication letters according to him but will verbally authenticate it for you. Seeing that you might be looking to sell, you will, without doubt, need a LOA. Hope this helps.

His info is:
Pete Tascarella Custom Cues,
PO Box 66,
Massapequa Park, New York 11762
516-799-8477

I will be putting it up for sale if anyone is interested, PM me.
Click to expand...

In talking to Gus, did you use a Oujia board, or a professional medium?

Joe :D
 
Photos of the Balabushka posted

In response to my post yesterday, many of you asked for photos. I've posted them here:

http://www.richvigue.com/balabushka.html

Balabushka made the cue according to my father’s specs- 20 ounces, 12 millimeter shaft - don't remember for sure. Both shafts are the original. Dad is the only owner and won the Connecticut Straight Pool Championship with it in 1967. Since then it's been basically sitting in a case. If he recalls correctly, Mr. Balabushka sent it to him in a cylindrical box – it did not come with a case.

He isn’t completely sure he wants to sell it. He’s seen varying prices for cues similar to it, and wants to make sure that someone can authenticate it since he doesn’t have any original paperwork. We’re concerned that if we wait too long, we won’t be able to find a reputable expert who can truly authenticate it.

cswanger@mindspring.com
 
coco said:
In response to my post yesterday, many of you asked for photos. I've posted them here:

http://www.richvigue.com/balabushka.html

Balabushka made the cue according to my father’s specs- 20 ounces, 12 millimeter shaft - don't remember for sure. Both shafts are the original. Dad is the only owner and won the Connecticut Straight Pool Championship with it in 1967. Since then it's been basically sitting in a case. If he recalls correctly, Mr. Balabushka sent it to him in a cylindrical box – it did not come with a case.

He isn’t completely sure he wants to sell it. He’s seen varying prices for cues similar to it, and wants to make sure that someone can authenticate it since he doesn’t have any original paperwork. We’re concerned that if we wait too long, we won’t be able to find a reputable expert who can truly authenticate it.

cswanger@mindspring.com
Click to expand...

Look at the first cue and tell me what you think.... alot of cuemakers at this time used the acrylic window with the foil bands. Palmer, Paradise, Rich are a couple. The letter from Pete is the way to go. Although the cue looks very good for what you say it is.

http://www.classiccues.com/cues/balabushka.htm

Joe
 
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coco said:
I've heard of two names - Pete Tascarella and Gus Szamboti, but can't find listings or contact information for either of them.
Click to expand...

Gus passed away. So, he isn't going to answer your calls.
 
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