Gus Szambotti older cue

Tom B

Registered
Unfortunately, I don't own this beauty, but am assisting the owner in determining the value as she is considering selling it. Her late husband purchased this cue from a friend in 1972. In her words, "he used to travel all over playing with that cue". One of the 2 buddies he traveled with is in fact still an active road and tournament player.
The cue was returned to Barry szamboti in 2000 for cleaning, rewrap, retipping 2 shafts and purchase of 2 new shafts with ivory ferrules (which appear to have been little used if at all). Of the 3 original shafts, one appears to have been primarily used.
Though this cue was used a great deal, it was obviously very well cared for. There are no major dents, deep scratches or evidence of abuse. She did say that he played very little after haveing the cue cleaned. This is an absolutely beautiful old Szamboti.
Kept in the pocket of the cue case is the receipt for work signed by Barry.
I will describe the cue as best I can, but I am by no means an expert so please allow that measurements may not be exact.

BUTT: 28 7/8 in, and 16 3/4 oz. Reasonably sure that the pin is 5/16 X 14, and has 4 color veneers. The wood looks to me to be too light to be Ebony, but very nice, dark Rosewood (Brazilian most likely). Color stitched rings on the butt, nickel silver ring at the joint.

SHAFTS:
The ferrules on the 3 Original shafts appear quite hard and have a slick shiny appearance, so am unable to confirm the ferrule material.

1)28 1/16 in, 12.85mm ferrule, 3 5/8 oz
2)28 5/8 in, 14.06mm ferrule, 4 1/8 oz
3) 28 9/16 in, 12.64mm ferrule, 4 oz

The 2 new shafts purchased in 2000 both have Ivory ferrules (distinct grain), 29in. and 4 1/8 oz.

All shafts have the nickel/silver rings.

The CASE: A used 2x4 black Action style case (forgot to check brand). The case is not in great shape as the main zipper is very tight (but does work) and the black rubber like material in the lid is very sticky for some reason. She keeps a paper towel on the inner lid to prevent contact with the cues. I would say it is functional but not on par with this cue, but works for a shipping container!

I would appreciate any comments on value, or any further information on the cue that the experts would like to share.
Please feel free to ask questions. The Lady that owns the cue doesnt have or use a computer, so will relay any information or answer questions as best we can.
I have several photos, so will post more in a followup message.

I would add that I did not have a pool table available, but rolled all pieces on the side table and every piece seemed to be straight. Together with a couple of the shafts the cue seemed straight as well, but this was obviously not the best test. I'd personally be confident that this cue is in excellent condition. If I can arrange for a better test on a table I will. I'd love the opportunity to hit a few balls anyway!
 

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More photos:
 

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I'm not sure of the value, I just wanted to say it's a beauty for sure..!:D
 
Posting it on ebay is good advice. You'll get close to full retail value on ebay (maybe even more).

My guess is she would end up selling for between 8k and 10k.
 
It's nice to see one of these early Gus cues. I would say the values given here are realistic. Barry would be a good person to contact for up-to-date values as well.
 
Appreciate the interest. A question I have, is what would be the best way to pursue a sale? Ebay and notification on AZB or selling directly on AZB? I will make recommendation when I see the owner in the next day or two. I know she didnt care to hear about the 10% fee ebay charges when I first suggested it. That may be the way to get the best viewing though.
 
Appreciate the interest. A question I have, is what would be the best way to pursue a sale? Ebay and notification on AZB or selling directly on AZB? I will make recommendation when I see the owner in the next day or two. I know she didnt care to hear about the 10% fee ebay charges when I first suggested it. That may be the way to get the best viewing though.

Ebay long listing will maximize monies gained, you can list it on here for 10k and you'll have 20 guys haggling. List it on ebay and be done with the nonsense
 
Appreciate the interest. A question I have, is what would be the best way to pursue a sale? Ebay and notification on AZB or selling directly on AZB? I will make recommendation when I see the owner in the next day or two. I know she didnt care to hear about the 10% fee ebay charges when I first suggested it. That may be the way to get the best viewing though.

FYI the ebay maximum fee on an item is $750 so it may be less than 10% depending on the final price. The selling fees can be worth the money if it adds to the value. Expecting to sell the cue at a high value and at low or no cost would be a little unrealistic.

Personally I would go to Barry for a value estimate and to see if he knows any current buyers (and he should also be rewarded if he does sell it for you). If he does, this would be a safer transaction than most and to me that's worth a lot.

Selling big dollar cues is not like selling $500 cues. There can be a lot of unforeseen difficulties.
 
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Don't forget the $20 for the case ;)

That has to be the most mismatched cue to case ratio I have ever seen.

I agree on the case....should have a Budweiser cue in it.

The cue is a beauty.....Gus is my favorite all time cue maker.

I think the over/under is $12,500
 
I think you are getting bad advice.

There are several collectors that will give fair market value and you wont have to share with ebay.

These are cash buyers and will not need to get a loan.....that still cracks me up. ;)

If I can help you let me know.

Ken
 
Appreciate the interest. A question I have, is what would be the best way to pursue a sale? Ebay and notification on AZB or selling directly on AZB? I will make recommendation when I see the owner in the next day or two. I know she didnt care to hear about the 10% fee ebay charges when I first suggested it. That may be the way to get the best viewing though.

Losing 10% on what is basically a free item to sell is not that bad, although I never sold anything worth more than $500 or so on ebay (for 7 Magic the Gathering cards of all things that my son found sitting in my collection). Seeing that you lost the cost of a month's rent in fees probably won't sit too well with anyone LOL

Plus PayPal takes a cut on top of the eBay fees.
 
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