Letters - Do they make a difference?

[Jonathan70]

Hi,
This is just a general question about whether having a letter from a cue maker really makes a difference in terms of the value of the cue, or at least in terms of finding buyers for it. I'm curious of people's opinions on this, and think it might be an interesting discussion topic.

 

[macguy]

Hi,
This is just a general question about whether having a letter from a cue maker really makes a difference in terms of the value of the cue, or at least in terms of finding buyers for it. I'm curious of people's opinions on this, and think it might be an interesting discussion topic.

Why not have one at least in the form of a receipt. I once had a Richard Black cue stolen from my car. As it turned out it was covered by my homeowners insurance. Problem was, I could not prove the value and when I told the agent what I paid for it he was in shock. I had to have them actually communicate with Mr. Black and he verified he had in fact made the cue for me and confirmed it's value. I got paid in full however the thief got a money bag with around $2500.00 in it, what I think they were really after, I was probably set up. My insurance only paid $100.00 for cash loses.

 

[Jonathan70]

Why not have one at least in the form of a receipt. I once had a Richard Black cue stolen from my car. As it turned out it was covered by my homeowners insurance. Problem was, I could not prove the value and when I told the agent what I paid for it he was in shock. I had to have them actually communicate with Mr. Black and he verified he had in fact made the cue for me and confirmed it's value. I got paid in full however the thief got a money bag with around $2500.00 in it, what I think they were really after, I was probably set up. My insurance only paid $100.00 for cash loses.

Sorry to you hear you had to go through that. Anyhow, that's a good point you make about proving the value. But if one has a cue already, is it worth the cost/effort to get a letter from the cue maker if one's planning to sell the cue soon? Can the mere fact of a letter from the maker substantially add to what one can get for a cue?

 

[Renegade_56]

I wouldn't think it'd make much difference,,,,unless it's an unmarked cue that you just want to prove is authentic.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Hi,
This is just a general question about whether having a letter from a cue maker really makes a difference in terms of the value of the cue, or at least in terms of finding buyers for it. I'm curious of people's opinions on this, and think it might be an interesting discussion topic.

A letter is worth its weight in gold when it comes to verifying a cue. Older Southwest cue's and any other unmarked highend cue is only worth whatever someone is willing to risk when it comes to buying. A letter saves a lot of time and money in the long run. Its the same as having a LOA for baseball cards, coins, musical instruments, old guns or anything else that could potentially be a knock off. Even when you are dealing with a legitiment item it can make it worth a ton more. For instance, I had a Joss that was 30+ years old and it looked similar to an old unmarked Gus Szamboti. Most people with any cue knowledge would know the difference but whos to say that someone might not try and pass a cue like that off as something its not? When you reverse the rolls and if you had an old Gus or Balabushka it would be well worth having a letter from Barry or Pete Tascarella verifying if it was genuine.

 

[Jonathan70]

A letter is worth its weight in gold when it comes to verifying a cue. Older Southwest cue's and any other unmarked highend cue is only worth whatever someone is willing to risk when it comes to buying.

That makes sense. What about for signed cues? Is it worth paying, say, $225 plus shipping and arranging for insurance to have the cue maker write a letter if the cue is already signed?

 

[TATE]

A letter is worth its weight in gold when it comes to verifying a cue. Older Southwest cue's and any other unmarked highend cue is only worth whatever someone is willing to risk when it comes to buying. A letter saves a lot of time and money in the long run. Its the same as having a LOA for baseball cards, coins, musical instruments, old guns or anything else that could potentially be a knock off. Even when you are dealing with a legitiment item it can make it worth a ton more. For instance, I had a Joss that was 30+ years old and it looked similar to an old unmarked Gus Szamboti. Most people with any cue knowledge would know the difference but whos to say that someone might not try and pass a cue like that off as something its not? When you reverse the rolls and if you had an old Gus or Balabushka it would be well worth having a letter from Barry or Pete Tascarella verifying if it was genuine.

I absolutely agree with this. Letters from the original cue maker or an expert make a lot of difference on cues that could be questioned for authenticity. Of course we are talking collectible cues from a respected, esteemed maker.

Sadly there are a lot of cues out there that have lost their provenance, for example early Paradise's, that nobody would be able to authenticate with certainty.

Letters, receipts, shipping boxes all add to the package over time and should be included and retained whenever possible.


Chris

 

[3andstop]

Here's what came to my mind immediately when I read your question.

To me, the obvious answer is, it depends on the person interested in the cue. As much as I love this game, I can't see spending more that a few hundred bucks on a cue no matter who made it.

As beautiful as some of them are, spending money in that area has never even been a conscious thought to me in the 50+ yrs I've been playing.

In fact, it's just the opposite. If I ever spent a lot of money on a cue and I didn't like how it felt, I'd be sick. I'd rather play with some cheapo cue that feels good, than risk a crap shoot on buying a custom without playing with it first.

That doesn't mean I don't appreciate the workmanship and the fact that some folks like to collect cues btw, to each their own.

Since the idea of a letter would be a collectible thing, then again, it's in the eye of the collector. No different than someone all excited over a painting. To one person a signed painting is a big deal, to the next, it's of no interest. Or like a guy who hand builds a car in his garage, the zillion man hours, blood sweat and tears, and expense of building it put collectible value to it. But, it doesn't mean it's a better car than grandpa's Buick. :shrug: Just more collectible to those interested.

Find the right collector and it has to be worth something I would think.

 

[Black-Balled]

they can be good or not...and all ponts in between.

Does a letter from Gus or Barry make a cue mor valuable? You bet your urethra it does.

Does a letter from a factory worker where they pump em out increase value of the China cue. Highly doubtful.

 

[ceebee]

John Parker of Auerbach Custom Cues has given his customers a "Certificate of Authenticity" that defines the cue, the level of complexity & the value for many years that I know of. john Parker tells his customers to keep that document, for insurance purposes & he keeps a copy for safety's sake.

 

[Run the Century]

Business Opportunity

Is there anybody out there that could validate a cue collection value wise based on pictures. I have always wanted something like that - I have a lot of cues with pictures of almost all of them - but not receipts. Have always worried about getting them stolen then having the insurance guys in shock - although I have told them about it before.

 

[tattoo]

John Parker of Auerbach Custom Cues has given his customers a "Certificate of Authenticity" that defines the cue, the level of complexity & the value for many years that I know of. john Parker tells his customers to keep that document, for insurance purposes & he keeps a copy for safety's sake.

i really like this idea...i wish all cue makers would do this....however i am sure they would be making less cues....and i dont want that....a hand written letter would suffice for me.....but i have never had a cue made were the maker did it....i just dont understand why you should have to beg to get a letter from a cuemaker about a cue that he made for you....just doesnt make sense spend several dimes and you dont have the time or respect to send out a 10 minute hand written letter about the cue...spec and build sheet i think is a very nice touch to add to an allready custom piece of work of art....but i am in the minority i guess....or all the custom cuemakers would do it without having to be asked....great thread.....some rep heading your way....:thumbup: