vintage cue clean up

[oldeschool]

I pick up antique tables when a good buy comes along, and they are often accompanied with a handful of cues. While most are nothing special, I was lucky enough to get a few titlists with my last table. I would like to clean them up prior to selling. I don't want to damage such nice cues. Any basic do's and don'ts to removing a few decades of grime? Is it as simple as mild detergent and some 0000? Thanks

 

[pescadoman]

I pick up antique tables when a good buy comes along, and they are often accompanied with a handful of cues. While most are nothing special, I was lucky enough to get a few titlists with my last table. I would like to clean them up prior to selling. I don't want to damage such nice cues. Any basic do's and don'ts to removing a few decades of grime? Is it as simple as mild detergent and some 0000? Thanks

I'd say leave them alone. Buyers probably won't care if they are dirty, only if the veneers are in good shape, the main wood(Ebony, Rosewood, Purpleheart, ect) and the size of the cue at 29 inches. If by "mild detergent" you are suggesting WATER, then DEFINITELY DON'T DO THAT! It's doubtful that cleaning them, and not making a skim cut, will show much. The wood itself is discolored from years of abuse and most likely smoke(they used to be house cues remember).

Feel free to ship me the one you don't like.

 

[galipeau]

I would also recommend against touching the cues. buyers who want to convert the cue will have the means to refinish it properly, and those who want to buy it for historical value want it as original as possible.

 

[pdcue]

I pick up antique tables when a good buy comes along, and they are often accompanied with a handful of cues. While most are nothing special, I was lucky enough to get a few titlists with my last table. I would like to clean them up prior to selling. I don't want to damage such nice cues. Any basic do's and don'ts to removing a few decades of grime? Is it as simple as mild detergent and some 0000? Thanks

+1 for leaving them in "as found" condition.

Would you use "mild detergent and some 0000" on an antique table?

Dale(Who advises against ever putting water on wood unless it is a raft)

 

[oldeschool]

thanks guys, I will leave them as is.