Value of Refinished Cues?

[HardBall]

Does refinishing by the original cue maker change the value of cues? For example, a 1986 Jim Buss cue with two original shafts needs work. I take the cue to Jim and have do a complete make-over including two new shafts.

Obviously what I gt back is a "new cue". But did I make it more valuable?

Assume all the work was cosmetic.

Thanks.

 

[macguy]

Does refinishing by the original cue maker change the value of cues? For example, a 1986 Jim Buss cue with two original shafts needs work. I take the cue to Jim and have do a complete make-over including two new shafts.

Obviously what I gt back is a "new cue". But did I make it more valuable?

Assume all the work was cosmetic.

Thanks.

On that cue I doubt it has any effect. On say a Balabushka I think it would. I have sold a number of Balabushkas and I never did any refinishing. Here is my reasoning. If the new buyer wants to refinish it he has that option. All we have to do is adjust the price. If the cue has been refinished I have lost a certain number of potential buyers right off the bat.

 

[BVal]

An original is almost always worth more than something that has been restored. imo. But it really comes down to how much it is worth to the potential buyer. If it is something you are going to keep forever the only reason to know the new value would be for insurance reasons.

BVal

 

[oneshotwiss]

On that cue I doubt it has any effect. On say a Balabushka I think it would. I have sold a number of Balabushkas and I never did any refinishing. Here is my reasoning. If the new buyer wants to refinish it he has that option. All we have to do is adjust the price. If the cue has been refinished I have lost a certain number of potential buyers right off the bat.

I doubt George is refinishing too many of his cues these days so that is the big difference right off the bat. I say whenever possible, send the cue to the guy who constructed it for best results and value...

 

[TheMarsMan]

As a cue collector I feel I can add a little insight as to what I value:

An unrestored Gus Szamboti at 80% condition that is original is worth more than a refinished cue that is at 100%. It doesn't matter who did the refinish.

An unrestored Gus Szamboti that is at 40% condition where the bare wood is exposed is worth less than a 100% refinished cue done by Barry.

An unrestored Barry Szamboti at 80% is worth less than a refinished Barry at 100% done by Barry.

An unrestored Barry Szamboti at 80% is worth more than a refinished Barry at 100% done by someone else.

My opinion is with any of the legendary cue makers cues should be left unrestored as long as the wood isn't exposed, if the finish is gone and the bare wood is exposed get it refinished!

Also in my opinion if the cue maker is alive and the cue is less than 80% of original condition a refinish won't hurt the value, but for the most part won't increase it significantly either.