middleofnowhere
Registered
I thought I read on here sometime back that somebody had a source for the original or original type of Balabushka bumpers. Does anybody have any idea or remember that?
Original Balabushka bumper
- Thread starter middleofnowhere
- Start date
i was just reading about that
i think @iusedtoberich had some ...i think i saw that in an old thread...................Edit : it was not @iusedtoberich see post below
hope this helps
good luck
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The KU bumper is a specific type of rubber bumper historically used on Brunswick pool cues, known for its distinctive brown color and design. It is often sought after by collectors and restorers, particularly for vintage cues, as it differs from the lighter reddish-brown bumpers sold by other retailers like Muellers. For those needing a replacement, the Prather brown bumper (part #R15) is noted as being identical in size and appearance to the original KU bumper, and it includes a metal washer similar to the original. These bumpers are typically installed with a screw and washer, and the bumper itself covers the screw and washer, securing the cue's butt end. While the original KU bumper is no longer commonly available, similar replacements can be sourced from specialty cue suppliers.
i think @iusedtoberich had some ...i think i saw that in an old thread...................Edit : it was not @iusedtoberich see post below
hope this helps
good luck
...................................
The KU bumper is a specific type of rubber bumper historically used on Brunswick pool cues, known for its distinctive brown color and design. It is often sought after by collectors and restorers, particularly for vintage cues, as it differs from the lighter reddish-brown bumpers sold by other retailers like Muellers. For those needing a replacement, the Prather brown bumper (part #R15) is noted as being identical in size and appearance to the original KU bumper, and it includes a metal washer similar to the original. These bumpers are typically installed with a screw and washer, and the bumper itself covers the screw and washer, securing the cue's butt end. While the original KU bumper is no longer commonly available, similar replacements can be sourced from specialty cue suppliers.
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I don't think it was me. I'm not familiar with the Balabushka bumpers.
rubber Balabushka bumpers.
Benelli
Well-known member
How much for one?
middleofnowhere
Registered
I am assuming you sell them? How do I order a couple. I know I can sell the cue without the bumper but would rather have it in there.
Benelli
Well-known member
He's going to need pics of the cue so you should just go ahead and post a couple here!
I have more than these, this is a sample pic. I also have two complete repair kits of different eras that I hesitate to break up or sell.
I am not selling in general, but if approached with the right cue that needs a bumper I might.
And, I have had stuff like this packed away for years. I am not getting to it soon. So, we'll see when I get to it. I need to organize my cues first.
As I dig through what I have in storage, when I find this kind of stuff I will post if anything is for sale.
I might be more inclined to do a trade.
The last time I got rid of any, years ago, I traded KU bumpers plus a tooled Engles case for a 1st Catalog Palmer.
I am not selling in general, but if approached with the right cue that needs a bumper I might.
And, I have had stuff like this packed away for years. I am not getting to it soon. So, we'll see when I get to it. I need to organize my cues first.
As I dig through what I have in storage, when I find this kind of stuff I will post if anything is for sale.
I might be more inclined to do a trade.
The last time I got rid of any, years ago, I traded KU bumpers plus a tooled Engles case for a 1st Catalog Palmer.
I do not need pictures of his cue. Lol.
Benelli
Well-known member
You are not helping!
Are these to keep originality? Or the modern available ones don’t fit?
middleofnowhere
Registered
It would be for originality. Some years ago I sold another Balabushka I had at the BCA show. I foolishly took the bumper off this cue because the other one was very worn. I had played with that cue for years.
I have no idea what I did with the old bumper and now this cue has no bumper. I have no original shafts so I want to at least make it as complete as I can.
Exactly.
I had several people ask me what I thought they are worth.
I haven't looked at the current market but I will say here exactly what I told several others privately.
In April 2018 I included 12 bumpers, without the box, in a trade deal with some other stuff like Fellini keys and a tooled Sam Engles case, for a first catalog Palmer.
We valued the bumpers at $40 each, total $480 for the deal, and we agreed the full retail value on them at the time was $50 each for a total of $600.
I agree 100%. In fact, as time passes, I expect that to go up of course.
Until and unless someone makes an exact replica, you can tell immediately if it is a modern replacement.
I have wondered if this might be due to age. Oxidation tends to darken materials, so it could be simply that.
But I honestly don't know for sure. I just know what the NOS originals look like now and there is no exact modern equivalent.
I haven't looked at the current market but I will say here exactly what I told several others privately.
In April 2018 I included 12 bumpers, without the box, in a trade deal with some other stuff like Fellini keys and a tooled Sam Engles case, for a first catalog Palmer.
We valued the bumpers at $40 each, total $480 for the deal, and we agreed the full retail value on them at the time was $50 each for a total of $600.
I agree 100%. In fact, as time passes, I expect that to go up of course.
Until and unless someone makes an exact replica, you can tell immediately if it is a modern replacement.
I have wondered if this might be due to age. Oxidation tends to darken materials, so it could be simply that.
But I honestly don't know for sure. I just know what the NOS originals look like now and there is no exact modern equivalent.
OMG...that made me a little sad.
The brown KU bumper on my Joss is a bit worn and banged up, but I have an NOS replacement for it if I ever get the cue refinished.
I remember I talked to Dan Janes around 1991. I was ordering a cue. I also ordered some other stuff. When I asked about a bumper he asked: "Brown or black?" So, they still had them and it was just a matter of picking which one you wanted. I think I still have order forms from that time that had the brown bumpers on them too.
They're both one inch in diameter. Both fit the same cues that have the right weight bolt.
I’ve been in the position of having a Balabushka restored that needed a new bumper.
At the time, I would have paid $100+ in the blink of an eye for an original KU.
I priced mine at $65. I guess I was a little high.
At the time, I would have paid $100+ in the blink of an eye for an original KU.
I priced mine at $65. I guess I was a little high.