I just won a silent auction on an amazing antique cue donated by Tony Conte. The proceeds benefitted the Tacoma Billiard Federation. I've conducted research on this cue but found very little information. I've attached a description, background and a picture of this awesome cue. Those of you that are interested in antique cues, please let me know any information that you have about its origin or value.
This is an antique Brunswick Balke-Collendar Billiard/Snooker cue. This was given to Tony Conte when he was 14, probably in Chicago. I assume it was used, as a player gave it to him when he expressed interest in the game. That would have been about 1944. It has a leather wrap in good condition and one shaft sporting a 4-prong Ebony tip and phenolic ferrule. The Butt has 4-prongs inlaid with multi-wood and light color, with the mother of pearl faceplate. The joint on butt is ivory. The cue is in remarkable shape and has great balance, but is not what current standards are for Billiard Play. It comes with a Classic Arnold Hanson Plywood Cue Case with "Conte" inlaid into lid.* See attached photo.
This is an antique Brunswick Balke-Collendar Billiard/Snooker cue. This was given to Tony Conte when he was 14, probably in Chicago. I assume it was used, as a player gave it to him when he expressed interest in the game. That would have been about 1944. It has a leather wrap in good condition and one shaft sporting a 4-prong Ebony tip and phenolic ferrule. The Butt has 4-prongs inlaid with multi-wood and light color, with the mother of pearl faceplate. The joint on butt is ivory. The cue is in remarkable shape and has great balance, but is not what current standards are for Billiard Play. It comes with a Classic Arnold Hanson Plywood Cue Case with "Conte" inlaid into lid.* See attached photo.
