This is part of what attracts me to that era and certain makers. These connections, the lineage, the associations, the history. There was so much happening. Hold on a minute...you got me going. LOL!
That's how I ended up focusing on National/Gandy, end of 60's early 70's. The designs, construction, materials, and seeing the history in the physical cues themselves. Variations on models, models that I can't find in any catalog, maybe customs.
I got the idea to do what Tate did and reproduce the 10 cue Gandy catalog like he did the Palmer catalogs. I have 15 cues, but because of doubles, triples, etc., I still need 3 cues to have a complete set, 5 if you notice my comments below. I also have some interesting variations not seen in the known Gandy or National catalogs.
I am still looking for the ones in red.
Model #HC-80 0
MODEL #HC-100 0
MODEL #HC-110 4
(Have several variants)
MODEL #HC-115 1
MODEL #HC-120 1
(Have 1987 version, still need early example)
MODEL #HC-135 0
MODEL #HC-140 1
(Prized ebony Titlist conversion, would still like a standard Titlist example for the catalog pic)
MODEL #HC-145 2
MODEL #HC-150 2
MODEL #RG-1000 4
(Have several variants)
One of the general things this adventure has taught me so far is that the more plain cues are harder to find. They don't stand out and likely get missed. Probably many got trashed over the years too. Because of this I end up looking at so many pain cues for sale and ask for a close-up picture looking for that aluminum insert. I have bought 2 or 3 plain cues cheap that ended up being duds. I also landed one recently for only $15 in an open auction that nobody else bid on, I guess nobody saw what it was. Cue is in great shape and if I was a flipper I would sell it for a really good profit.
I think it's interesting that we started with a question about aluminum inserts on a first year Adam cue and ended up here, talking about so much more. I really love this stuff. Funny thing is that I don't really have much interest in Meucci except where the first cues are concerned and the overlap with Huebler. I have a number of Huebler cues, and exactly one Meucci Original with no ppans to look for more.
Eventually, when I do the Gandy catalog flyer picture reproduction, I will do detailed pictures and discussions of all of them, including some very interesting variants and possible National versions. My research included discussions and documentation from Dick Abbott, who sold me the ebony Titlist HC-140, as well as numerous web searches and discussions with others, especially here on AZB over the years. I have ended up researching a number of individuals, and even in some cases going through their obituaries and finding pictures of their graves.
I will close with this crop from the June 1971 National Billiard News.
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