More then just a cue...

PickPocket

PickPocket

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Do you have a cue that has been passed down through family for generations? I mean most of these collections are looked at as fine pieces of art, not sports equipment right? Some never get played, some do! ALOT, then get retired for other people to appreciate behind glass for eternity. So do any of you plan to start a tradition of passing down equipment, creating heirlooms for younger generations? Would you be willing to share your picture, and story with the rest of us? :smile:
 
PickPocket said:
Do you have a cue that has been passed down through family for generations? I mean most of these collections are looked at as fine pieces of art, not sports equipment right? Some never get played, some do! ALOT, then get retired for other people to appreciate behind glass for eternity. So do any of you plan to start a tradition of passing down equipment, creating heirlooms for younger generations? Would you be willing to share your picture, and story with the rest of us? :smile:
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Sure. My cue is a Gus Szamboti, it was passed on to me by the passing of my uncle. My uncle was a known A / Open player in the north east. He won a few Tri-state open tourney's in the 90's and a few of the local open / a tourneys that were in West End Billiards and then Rockaway Billiards. His name was Henry George Umstead, known to most as Paterson George because he was from Paterson NJ. He was taught by Isaaic "Miami" Gonzales. Like Miami he was a one handed prodigy.

He passed on a Thursday, that Tuesday he beat Basavich in the Rockaway open tourney. He was known as a great player and an even better person. He never air barreled anyone, and was always willing to help other shooters. My uncle and I were very close due to our relatively close ages.

He bought the cue new in 1975 or 76 when he was just 17. He sold it once and was lucky enough to get it back. When he picked it up Gus took an instant liking to him, and he actually had 3 or 4 more Szambotis directly from Gus and never waited more than 6 months for any cue. This cue was a part of him for 25 years.

It took me a year to actually even take it out of the case. The first time I used it I was chosen for a break and run, and did it for 2500. So needless to say the cue doesn't owe me a thing. I still play with it.

JV
 

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Nothing that special, but this will be passed on...I bought it new back in the
early 1970's..
 

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I'll have to remember to post pics when I get home, but I recently got the completed custom cue I came here asking about over a year ago. It's an amazing player, unlike me :)
The wrap is material from my Navy dress blue uniform sealed over like Meucci does, and my surface and aviation warfare insignias are in windows cut into each of the 4 points and in the butt sleeve as well. My rank and rate insignia, as well as the cuemakers' logo and a rendering of the ships seal are engraved on the butt cap, and in the bumperless bottom a metal lapel pin with the ships' seal in color is mounted. The cue maker worked with me and created just what I wanted... A functional shadow box that tells the story of my time in the Navy in a subtle, unique way. I hope it gets passed down for a while after I get my miles out of it!
 
Very nice!

DallasHopps said:
I'll have to remember to post pics when I get home, but I recently got the completed custom cue I came here asking about over a year ago. It's an amazing player, unlike me :)
The wrap is material from my Navy dress blue uniform sealed over like Meucci does, and my surface and aviation warfare insignias are in windows cut into each of the 4 points and in the butt sleeve as well. My rank and rate insignia, as well as the cuemakers' logo and a rendering of the ships seal are engraved on the butt cap, and in the bumperless bottom a metal lapel pin with the ships' seal in color is mounted. The cue maker worked with me and created just what I wanted... A functional shadow box that tells the story of my time in the Navy in a subtle, unique way. I hope it gets passed down for a while after I get my miles out of it!
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Yes please post pictures! I would love to see your creation! Furthermore.. Thank You for serving our country!
 
classiccues said:
Sure. My cue is a Gus Szamboti, it was passed on to me by the passing of my uncle. My uncle was a known A / Open player in the north east. He won a few Tri-state open tourney's in the 90's and a few of the local open / a tourneys that were in West End Billiards and then Rockaway Billiards. His name was Henry George Umstead, known to most as Paterson George because he was from Paterson NJ. He was taught by Isaaic "Miami" Gonzales. Like Miami he was a one handed prodigy.

He passed on a Thursday, that Tuesday he beat Basavich in the Rockaway open tourney. He was known as a great player and an even better person. He never air barreled anyone, and was always willing to help other shooters. My uncle and I were very close due to our relatively close ages.

He bought the cue new in 1975 or 76 when he was just 17. He sold it once and was lucky enough to get it back. When he picked it up Gus took an instant liking to him, and he actually had 3 or 4 more Szambotis directly from Gus and never waited more than 6 months for any cue. This cue was a part of him for 25 years.

It took me a year to actually even take it out of the case. The first time I used it I was chosen for a break and run, and did it for 2500. So needless to say the cue doesn't owe me a thing. I still play with it.

JV
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Love your story, thanks.
 
DallasHopps said:
I'll have to remember to post pics when I get home, but I recently got the completed custom cue I came here asking about over a year ago. It's an amazing player, unlike me :)
The wrap is material from my Navy dress blue uniform sealed over like Meucci does, and my surface and aviation warfare insignias are in windows cut into each of the 4 points and in the butt sleeve as well. My rank and rate insignia, as well as the cuemakers' logo and a rendering of the ships seal are engraved on the butt cap, and in the bumperless bottom a metal lapel pin with the ships' seal in color is mounted. The cue maker worked with me and created just what I wanted... A functional shadow box that tells the story of my time in the Navy in a subtle, unique way. I hope it gets passed down for a while after I get my miles out of it!
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Pictures of cue:
 

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My father has an old Mali from the late 1960's. It did not have any markings on it as to who made it and for years I would ask cue makers if they could identify it with no luck.

About a year ago I came across one on this webpage

http://www.billiardcue.com/cues.php?view=5&start_row=125&search_letter=

It is the only Mali on that page, about half way down, the cue with the gold eagles in the butt.

My father made alot of money with that cue, other good players would borrow it when being backed by my father in money games. I figure that cue has made well over six figures so I am spending a few hundred to have it refinished and will put it in a display case. Being a pool player I appreciate it, I don't think my daughter will think it is such a big deal to get when I die.
 
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cesarmorales said:
My father has an old Mali from the late 1960's. It did not have any markings on it as to who made it and for years I would ask cue makers if they could identify it with no luck.

About a year ago I came across one on this webpage

http://www.billiardcue.com/cues.php?view=5&start_row=125&search_letter=

It is the only Mali on that page, about half way down, the cue with the gold eagles in the butt.

My father made alot of money with that cue, other good players would borrow it when being backed by my father in money games. I figure that cue has made well over six figures so I am spending a few hundred to have it refinished and will put it in a display case. Being a pool player I appreciate it, I don't think my daughter will think it is such a big deal to get when I die.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing! I came across an older Mali, with that same Eagle in the butt, but no points. I posted pictures on here to get info on it for another player. Classic Cues!
 
Needed to bump this thread to show a new member cue pics. He's looking for contact info for cue makers in the DFW area, if somebody can help out with John Nemec's info it would help. thanks!
 
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