Here are a few of my Tad cues and a couple of Ginacues that I had on a miniature pool table at the same time.
The table is another of the small, but real pool tables that were made during Prohibition because laws were written in some states (Texas, etc) in such a way that pool rooms had to close. If the tables were no larger than x in length, coin-operated, etc, they could get around the laws. A cottage industry of small table makers sprung up, but very quickly Prohibition was overturned and these tables disappeared. Likely the tables were sold as toy tables or were taken home for play, soon to be destroyed and off to the toy graveyard.
I really like these tables, and now have ten of them. They are great for cue displays! Rhoda is saying that is about enough! P.S., if anyone knows of one for sale, I am interested! Seriously!!
From the left, the first two cues are vintage ivory handled Ginacues. The first one was made for Richie Florence in the 60`s, and has a highly unique signature. Ernie Gutierrez (Ginacue) restored the cue a while back for me, and saved his original signature. Simple, but beautiful cue to hold and run racks with. Not like Richie, but I have as much fun as he did.
The second Ginacue has an ivory handle made of seven ivory billiard balls. The ivory is VERY well matched. This cue is also from the 1960`s. It has six points, very rare in this design. Ernie told me he made three cues with points like these. It is signed "Ginacue By Ernie".
The next nine are all Tad cues, and I really like his work in a setting where several of his cues are seen together , all having different buttsleeves. The forearms are mostly 8-pointers, some with veneers, some without. Two are very unusual floating point forearms (my favorite) and there is also a Tadpole forearm (great name) and a 4-pointer in this group. The 4-pointer has the trademark longer buttsleeve, and I have had this cue for over 30 years.
His cues hit a ton, and I thoroughly enjoy playing with them. A friend of mine (The Teacher) played with a merry widow Tad in the mid 1960`s in Mansfield, Ohio and I have liked them ever since.
Notice all the fancy Alton Takata cue caps. He is simply world class and the cues are better thanks to his fine craftsmanship. Hey Alton, one of my Tads needs a set of caps, and I am ready! Are you? :wink:
If anyone has pictures of Tads or Ginacues they would like to put on this thread, I am sure everyone would like to see them! Two of the very best cuemakers to ever make a cue. Ever!
Will Prout
