Documentation suggestion for cues

[classiccues]

One thing that rarely gets touched on is documentation. When buying older cues, IMHO you should write down all information you are given on a cue when you buy it. Especially if it is from the original or second owner. I make it a habit, when I buy, especially over the internet, to get whatever information I can. Then I write it down, or type it up in a word document. In fact I usually put the information into an appraisal type document so when I sell the cue I can hand the information in a letter.

If there is a name in the cue, other than the sellers, this information is extremely important and could be important in future sales.

You should try and obtain any previous owners names, the fact if its been refinished, by whom, and write it down and keep it with the cue. Buying and selling cues would be more fulfilling if the new owner got accurate history on the cue when he bought it. It would also be historically prudent to do so.

This is the document I created for the Eddie Silva cue. I use white font color for the owners name and appraisal value and change them back to black when I print it out.

I also implore new cuemakers to offer a similar "bill of sale" document for cues for the same reasons. It maybe a pain in the ass, but it will allow you to reference the cue in the future.

JV

 

[Onecrazyplayer]

Sweet

Right on I always wonder why more of the higher end cue builders did not do this back in the days with just a simple hand write up. Some did but not all. It a great way to track a cue and the history of it. And with the computers and google and all the stuff we have I can see what you bought your house for and sold for 11 years ago but if I wanted to buy a Black Boar or super high end cue all I have is the word of the seller. Plus this would be great for others to learn how to sell their cues the right way with the proper information and not try to screw the buyer over. Kind of a contract in a way. Great post!!

 

[ga9ball]

Loa

Great post Joe, good information for any cue buyer/collector!
Happy Holiday's

 

[ddadams]

Keith Hanssen does this with his custom cues. He provides a certificate with the exact date and description/weights even I believe.

 

[woodyosborne]

i think it is a great idea! i have the first(numero uno!) cue ever sold by carolina cues. i also have a paper attesting to that with specific details, dated and signed by trevor(owner) and matt armstrong and mike hancock. thanks guys!
others can say they have one of the first cues but none can say/prove they have the first. i like what PDK did with dollar bills to show the cue's provenance.

 

[classiccues]

Thanks.. more importantly as people get out of the game, due to age, or whatever reason, its good to have some background on the cue. Maybe 10 years from now, someone will see the cue and a letter and say "Wow I used to play with that guy" or connect to it and want to buy it for sentimental reasons. But ultimately keeping information as accurate as possible is something this community should strive for.

JV

Right on I always wonder why more of the higher end cue builders did not do this back in the days with just a simple hand write up. Some did but not all. It a great way to track a cue and the history of it. And with the computers and google and all the stuff we have I can see what you bought your house for and sold for 11 years ago but if I wanted to buy a Black Boar or super high end cue all I have is the word of the seller. Plus this would be great for others to learn how to sell their cues the right way with the proper information and not try to screw the buyer over. Kind of a contract in a way. Great post!!

 

[SC02GTP]

I think this is a great idea so long as the information presented is accurate. Maybe somebody can start a service where for a small fee, a cue can be papered.

 

[jhanso18]

Keith Hanssen does this with his custom cues. He provides a certificate with the exact date and description/weights even I believe.

Yes he does! This is the Certificate Of Authenticity for my Roman Alexander Kue.

If you find an older Keith and would like a new COA, I think he charges like $50 is all.

 

[cuesblues]

This is a great thread, very significant
I have many cues that need to be documented and I am so far behind it will be more than a major effort to get it done...more like a commitment
The documentation is important for several reasons, and I could croak at any time.
Thanks for the motivation

 

[jhanso18]

This is a great thread, very significant
I have many cues that need to be documented and I am so far behind it will be more than a major effort to get it done...more like a commitment
The documentation is important for several reasons, and I could croak at any time.
Thanks for the motivation

Keep at it please. I'm not an avid collector, but these cues are not only pieces of art, but pieces of history. I wish everyone had the same level of appreciation for cues as you do. After getting to know Keith better, and seeing the effort that goes into making sure a cue is PERFECT, I have a new appreciation for even the simplest cues.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!