Very Rare 1 of 1 Frank Paradise Custom Cue Made in the 1950's

I would think the date is a little off also. The blank appears to be a Spain blank, and the cue is probably a mid 60's cue. The butt cap has clearly been replaced, that would hurt the value a little. That brings me to another small question, usually when Paradise adorned the forearm, the butt sleeve also got similar treatment. This bothers me a little on this cue and ties into the butt cap repair. At least that is how I would view it if I was buying it.

http://www.classiccues.com/graphics/cues/cues_all/palmer_paradise_tribute/paradise_pic.jpg

Paradise is probably the most overlooked and under appreciated cuemaker from that time period.

JV
 
Hey Manwon.

We have an old road player up hear by the name of Billy Costello. Its possible he and Cap crossed paths. I know Billy used to play Irving Crane, Fats and Misconni on a regular basis as well. His game was one pocket.

If you like I will ask if he was familar with or ever played Cap.
 
I'm glad Ibuycues does not think a refin devalutes a cue, I think any refin to any cues devaluates it. I'd rather see somthing totaly original, If the buyer decides to refin to stabalize the cue, that's his decision.....
 
I was thinking the same thing

I thought it looked like a spain blank...looks very similar to a Palmer model J, which used a szamboti blank.

classiccues said:
I would think the date is a little off also. The blank appears to be a Spain blank, and the cue is probably a mid 60's cue. The butt cap has clearly been replaced, that would hurt the value a little. That brings me to another small question, usually when Paradise adorned the forearm, the butt sleeve also got similar treatment. This bothers me a little on this cue and ties into the butt cap repair. At least that is how I would view it if I was buying it.

http://www.classiccues.com/graphics/cues/cues_all/palmer_paradise_tribute/paradise_pic.jpg

Paradise is probably the most overlooked and under appreciated cuemaker from that time period.

JV
Click to expand...
 
the refinish by schick does not hurt the cue at all hes a hall of fame cuemaker if anythings it helps the value.
 
Well to all that have posted, let me say thank you.

I just got off the Phone with Bill Schick who gave me the following information about this cue and it's current current condition.

Don Wagner and Bill Schick were friends for more than 30 years. This friendship started before Bill even started making cues. According to Mr. Schick, him and Don purchased cues from Frank Paradise together in 1965, and the cue pictured throughout this post was the cue that Don purchased at that time. When their cues were ready for pick-up they went down to Franks shop and picked up their cues together. While Don loved his cue in all respects, Bill was not as happy with his. At the time Bill had purchased a lower end Paradise, and Don had opted for a High End Fancy model.

Now according Bill this incident was greatly responsible for his desire to build cues. Now when Bill was telling this, all I could say is WOW this exchange changed history, and it created one of the most highly respected cue makers in this country today, who still builds his cues by hand with no CNC Machinery. The cue pictured here in this thread was part of that heritage, and this pedigree is very hard if not impossible to top.

According to Bill this cue was a Special Paradise Model "D" Black Zephyr due to the extra inlays and work, and the point construction was done by Paradise not, Burton Spain. Bill told me that he had gone to Franks shop on a number of occasions, and actually watched Points being milled in Franks shop, and that the points in this cue were made in Franks shop.

All the Mother Pearl inlays in this cue were part of the original construction with the exception of the Boxed Pearl inlays that were inlay-ed when the cue was refinished by Bill Schick. One inlay says Wagner after the cues owner, and the other says Holdem who was Don's Pit Bull Dog, and according Bill, this dog kinda smiled and had a wounderful disposition for this type of dog.

Classic cues made a comment that the butt of the cue including the butt cap appeared to have been replaced. According to Bill around 1970, Don decided that he wanted weight added to the cue. The cue was taken to Danny Jane's and Bill Stroud at Joss custom Cues where weight was added, the Butt cap was replaced, and the words NO - TE - APRES were added under the window above Franks trade mark. The NO - TE - APES name came from the fact that Don was a retired Air Force Officer. One day while Don and Bill were looking at some photo's of old planes from WWII they saw a plane from the Flying Tiger Squadron with this name painted on the planes nose. The words mean HAVE - NO - FEAR and due to his profession and being a Pool Player that name was chosen for that cue. KV at Classic cues also said that he thought the cue should have fancy inlays in the butt like the Forearm. However, according to Bill Schick the cue did not ever have a fancy butt, and he was there when the cue was picked up from Frank. The only modifications from the time the cue left Franks shop are those listed above.

Many thanks to Bill Schick, whose memory is fantastic, and who was gracious enough to spend an hour with me talking on the phone this morning about this cue and his very good friend "CAPP".

To all that have posted thanks very much, it has been a pleasure sharing this information with the forum. Hopefully in the next Publication that covers Famous cue makers some of the information may be corrected. While Burton Spain may have made some point Blanks for Frank Paradise due to the large number of orders that he was receiving before his death he also made his own blanks in his shop. For those who dispute this or are not sure if this occurred all I can say is contact Bill Schick, as far as I am concerned his word on this subject is as good as GOLD in the Bank.

Have a great day

Craig
 
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manwon said:
Well to all that have posted, let me say thank you.

I just got off the Phone with Bill Schick who gave me the following information about this cue and it's current current condition.

Don Wagner and Bill Schick were friends for more than 30 years. This friendship started before Bill even started making cues. According to Mr. Schick, him and Don purchased cues from Frank Paradise together in 1965, and the cue pictured throughout this post was the cue that Don purchased at that time. When their cues were ready for pick-up they went down to Franks shop and picked up their cues together. While Don loved his cue in all respects, Bill was not as happy with his. At the time Bill had purchased a lower end Paradise, and Don had opted for a High End Fancy model.

Now according Bill this incident was greatly responsible for his desire to build cues. Now when Bill was telling this, all I could say is WOW this exchange changed history, and it created one of the most highly respected cue makers in this country today, who still builds his cues by hand with no CNC Machinery. The cue pictured here in this thread was part of that heritage, and this pedigree is very hard if not impossible to top.

According to Bill this cue was a Special Paradise Model "D" Black Zephyr due to the extra inlays and work, and the point construction was done by Paradise not, Burton Spain. Bill told me that he had gone to Franks shop on a number of occasions, and actually watched Points being milled in Franks shop, and that the points in this cue were made in Franks shop.

All the Mother Pearl inlays in this cue were part of the original construction with the exception of the Boxed Pearl inlays that were inlay-ed when the cue was refinished by Bill Schick. One inlay says Wagner after the cues owner, and the other says Holdem who was Don's Pit Bull Dog, and according Bill, this dog kinda smiled and had a wounderful disposition for this type of dog.

Classic cues made a comment that the butt of the cue including the butt cap appeared to have been replaced. According to Bill around 1970, Don decided that he wanted weight added to the cue. The cue was taken to Danny Jane's and Bill Stroud at Joss custom Cues where weight was added, the Butt cap was replaced, and the words NO - TE - APRES were added under the window above Franks trade mark. The NO - TE - APES name came from the fact that Don was a retired Air Force Officer. One day while Don and Bill were looking at some photo's of old planes from WWII they saw a plane from the Flying Tiger Squadron with this name painted on the planes nose. The words mean HAVE - NO - FEAR and due to his profession and being a Pool Player that name was chosen for that cue. KV at Classic cues also said that he thought the cue should have fancy inlays in the butt like the Forearm. However, according to Bill Schick the cue did not ever have a fancy butt, and he was there when the cue was picked up from Frank. The only modifications from the time the cue left Franks shop are those listed above.

Many thanks to Bill Schick, whose memory is fantastic, and who was gracious enough to spend an hour with me talking on the phone this morning about this cue and his very good friend "CAPP".

To all that have posted thanks very, it has been a pleasure sharing this information with the forum. Hopefully in the next Publication that covers Famous cue makers some of the information may be corrected. While Burton Spain may have made some point Blanks for Frank Paradise due to the large number of orders that he was receiving before his death he also made his own blanks in his shop. For those who dispute this or are not sure if this occurred all I can say is contact Bill Schick, as far as I am concerned his word on this subject is as good as GOLD in the Bank.

Have a great day

Craig
Click to expand...


Craig...fantastic info, and story!! I found it interesting that the inscription, and it's meaning according to Bill....and my loose translation, are very , very close in intent. Either way, I perceived it as an 'inspirational' message..and find it very cool!

Not only was it great info to seek and share with us...but you just gave CAP's son a bona fide history to go with the cue...outstanding!

Lisa
 
Great documentation of history......

......and a wonderful cue. 4 or 5 veneers in that Paradise blank?
 
hangemhigh said:
......and a wonderful cue. 4 or 5 veneers in that Paradise blank?
Click to expand...

It appears to be at this time the cue has 4 Veneers, I went back over the photo's, since I do not have the cue here at this time. The veneers are White-Orange-Green-Black.

Veneers 3.jpg

Hope this helps
 
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That is a fantastic story about an amazing cue, and some pretty amazing people. I am so pleased to be a part of the AZ community. The knowledge and stories about this great sport we are so passionate about are endless.

Thanks for sharing your story!!

Mike
 
Craig,

Thanks for sharing your conversation with Bill Schick, with the entire AZ community. The cue is obviously historically significant, and very desirable. But its best part is that it has never left the original family, and will stay that way.

It also shows the major impact that Paradise had on other cuemakers like Gene at Palmer Cues, along with many others of which we can only imagine.

You are to be very much commended for taking the time to do some research on this cue. It has not only enriched the cue world and its history, but also has added to the sentimentality of the cue with the family.

I can picture the cue still in action, and the feeling the son gets when he makes shots earlier made by Dad..... Hard to beat!

Thanks again!

Will Prout
 
ibuycues said:
Craig,

Thanks for sharing your conversation with Bill Schick, with the entire AZ community. The cue is obviously historically significant, and very desirable. But its best part is that it has never left the original family, and will stay that way.

It also shows the major impact that Paradise had on other cuemakers like Gene at Palmer Cues, along with many others of which we can only imagine.

You are to be very much commended for taking the time to do some research on this cue. It has not only enriched the cue world and its history, but also has added to the sentimentality of the cue with the family.

I can picture the cue still in action, and the feeling the son gets when he makes shots earlier made by Dad..... Hard to beat!

Thanks again!

Will Prout
Click to expand...

Will all I can say is thanks, I hope some of the more knowledgeable posters would jump on this themselves and do the same thing. I have learned a great deal from this forum, other forums, and by doing a lot of research over the past 25 year's. My knowledge is truly infantile to many who post here, and I am certain at times I make assumptions that are not correct.
When it comes to the subjects we all love, information is not readily available. Many times while some have the answer they are reluctant to share this knowledge, and I can understand this to a point. Mainly because this knowledge involves their livelihood, and it can cost them money if others know how to identify some of the cues that come across the INTERNET.
When it comes to these subjects for me I am like a kid in candy store. My enthusiasm sometimes gives me sleepless nights contemplating new information or treasures I have recently acquired. Those who know me, understand my passion for this history, and it is present in my work, on the walls in my pool room, and in my personal life. I always have time to learn and share the information that I have with those that are interested.
I hope more people take the time to share some of what they know. There are many here who would appreciate this, and be grateful for it.

As for myself, I think many forum members know that if I can help, I will.
The satisfaction for me is not being in the light, only being part of the larger group who has the same passion I have about pool and billiards history.

Thanks again Will, you input and are your comments, along with your knowledge on these subjects is highly respected and valued always.
 
1 of 1 Frank Paradise

Thank you so much for sharing the photos of this great cue and the history behind it. What a wonderful read for cue buffs.
 
This cue is like finding buried treasure, there really is no precedent set for the value of something this unique. I agree that it should easily bring 3-5 thousand. I may be interested in it myself if it goes on the block. Beautiful cue no matter what you do with it!

Doug
 
manwon said:
All the Mother Pearl inlays in this cue were part of the original construction with the exception of the Boxed Pearl inlays that were inlay-ed when the cue was refinished by Bill Schick. One inlay says Wagner after the cues owner, and the other says Holdem who was Don's Pit Bull Dog, and according Bill, this dog kinda smiled and had a wounderful disposition for this type of dog.

Classic cues made a comment that the butt of the cue including the butt cap appeared to have been replaced. According to Bill around 1970, Don decided that he wanted weight added to the cue. The cue was taken to Danny Jane's and Bill Stroud at Joss custom Cues where weight was added, the Butt cap was replaced, and the words NO - TE - APRES were added under the window above Franks trade mark. The NO - TE - APES name came from the fact that Don was a retired Air Force Officer. One day while Don and Bill were looking at some photo's of old planes from WWII they saw a plane from the Flying Tiger Squadron with this name painted on the planes nose. The words mean HAVE - NO - FEAR and due to his profession and being a Pool Player that name was chosen for that cue. KV at Classic cues also said that he thought the cue should have fancy inlays in the butt like the Forearm. However, according to Bill Schick the cue did not ever have a fancy butt, and he was there when the cue was picked up from Frank. The only modifications from the time the cue left Franks shop are those listed above.
Click to expand...
It appears that the cue used to have larger Mother of Pearl dots on either side of what is now the Boxed Pearl inlays, and those larger dots were replaced with the even larger diamonds. The shaft also has a different joint collar.
 
Poolplaya9 said:
It appears that the cue used to have larger Mother of Pearl dots on either side of what is now the Boxed Pearl inlays, and those larger dots were replaced with the even larger diamonds. The shaft also has a different joint collar.
Click to expand...
The boxed inlays were added by Bill Schick after the photo was taken, in the photo, with the exception of the shaft the cue most likly was original, however, I am kie I said exactly uncertain when the photo was taken. This photo was taken like I said after, 1965, because that is when the cue was originally picked up from Franks shop. The Cue pictured in this thread has the original shaft, of which there were originally two to my knowledge. However, only one original shaft survies today, but there are three others that were made for the cue by people other than Frank. One of the other shafts was made by Bill Schick, and theother had plain Black collars like the photo in the other thread.

Hope this helps!!!! Thanks for your post, you brought up some very good points.
 
Palmers designs

manwon said:
Hello Martin and thanks for the input!! Well Martin, according to Don's son, I think he told me that the cue new was a little over $300. I think the most interesting fact about this cue, is that a similar design was used in Palmer's during the 1970's. It is amazing that many of Palmer's designs that everyone today loves were directly influenced by Frank Paradise, and no one today really acknowledges this fact.

But cues like this one sure raise questions, and even if it was made in the 1960's not the 1950's the influence is hard to hide or dispute!!!!!;)
Click to expand...

I though everybody knew that Gene Palmer worked for Paradise, at least that's what the blue book says, and when you look at the earliest palmer catalogs it's easy to see why early Palmers and Paradises are always getting confused.
manwon, I think everyone acknowledges the influence factor.
 
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