cue collection

[wade]

would like some imput starting a cue collection do you start off with old cues szamboti,ginacue,southwest (higher end) or do you start off with $1000 to $2000 cues to have so that if you run up on other cues you can do some trading with some $ also thanks shane

 

[cueman]

Collect what you like and can afford. I have managed to collect at least one cue from each of the International Cuemakers Hall of Fame members. The one that still eludes me is the Balabushka. Buying in order to trade up usually is a bad idea unless you are getting the lower end cues at a steal. I have managed to pick up all my cues at what I would consider a good deal except for the Spains and Szamboti. I paid full price for those because I was having a hard time finding one at a deal and I want to have one form every ICA Hall of Fame maker. I also have bought some on inside information. By knowing who got nominated for the Hall of Fame, but not voted in yet. Knowing they wil go in eventually, I have bought some of those makers cues while they are still affordable. That is just planning ahead. Then there is the saftety deposit boxes and Gun safes expense. Unless you want to expose your valuable investment to theft or fire. As one wise man once said: "Why did I ever start this?"
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com

 

[Matt_24]

would like some imput starting a cue collection do you start off with old cues szamboti,ginacue,southwest (higher end) or do you start off with $1000 to $2000 cues to have so that if you run up on other cues you can do some trading with some $ also thanks shane

Buy what you LIKE and ENJOY! Buy what makes you happy. If you have the means and original Szamboti's are your bag, then buy em' up. If you have a little less "means" like many of us, and old McDermotts float your boat, then buy those. As long as you're having fun! That is what collecting is all about.

Members on here such as TATE could collect whatever he wants, but has found his interest and niche in Palmer cues. Some collect old JOSS cues. Some collect a wide array of expensive cues. A collection is something you develop to enjoy, and it should bring you a certain level of happiness. If you're just interested in collecting to make money, well...that just doesn't seem very fun to me (and it makes you a cue dealer, not collector). Also, unless you're starting out with several hundred thousand in capitol (this is just me assuming here) to get started, I don't think dealing cues is a way you could make a full time living. Of course, I could be wrong!

 

[TATE]

would like some imput starting a cue collection do you start off with old cues szamboti,ginacue,southwest (higher end) or do you start off with $1000 to $2000 cues to have so that if you run up on other cues you can do some trading with some $ also thanks shane

Shane,

As you get into it, your goals and desires might change and eventually lead you into a direction you would have not otherwise considered. It's probably a good idea to get some broad exposure of buying and selling at first.

As I collected, I became more interested in the history of cue making. Just by what you mentioned above, I would say you already have three highways that lead to a hundred avenues. The Szamboti highway leads to Balabushka, Doc Fry, and Palmer, and each of those lead to others. The Southwest path leads from Franklin to Kersenbrock to Omega/DPK and Mike Bender.

I like historic cues with a story. Some collectors like cues that are sensational art. Some just collect a couple of makers, historic or contemporary. I started off collecting Meucci's. So did one of the top collectors in the USA.

Consider that when you collect a current maker, how many of them will truly prove to be collectible 10 to 20 years down the road?

I would suggest to be more concerned about return OF investment than return ON investment. If you buy high-end, make sure the market is there to re-sell the cue if you desire and at least get your money back. For example, if you decide to buy a $10,000 high end cue, make sure it's from a maker who is not known for their $500 cues on e-bay! Before commiting a lot of money, research and ask.

There is a lot of fun in researching, developing a bank of knowledge and knowledgeable contacts, finding and acquiring cues. I visit with my cues now and then, research them, and generally have a lot of fun with my hobby.

My goals are ever changing. I now have developed an interest in the Chicago cue makers in addition to the New York/Philadelphia/New Jersey crowd.

Good luck, post pics in the cue gallery, and have some fun.

Chris