Vintage Cues

[rexus31]

Not sure where to post this so I'll try here. I see a lot of cues from the early 1900's that have a wedge cut in the butt of the cue. Was there a purpose for this or is it purely for decoration?

 

[PaulieB]

I always thought the wedge was at such an angle that you could press down on the cue and it would lift the tip off the table enough that you could then "shove" the cue forward to hit the ball. It allowed you to make longer shots without using the bridge.

I am no cue historian though, so I could be wrong.

 

[rexus31]

I always thought the wedge was at such an angle that you could press down on the cue and it would lift the tip off the table enough that you could then "shove" the cue forward to hit the ball. It allowed you to make longer shots without using the bridge.

I am no cue historian though, so I could be wrong.

I am inline with your explanation. I'm hoping some experts could chime in with their input. Nice to know I'm not alone in my thought process.

 

[pt109]

I always thought the wedge was at such an angle that you could press down on the cue and it would lift the tip off the table enough that you could then "shove" the cue forward to hit the ball. It allowed you to make longer shots without using the bridge.

I am no cue historian though, so I could be wrong.

It's a hangover from the original 'maces'.
The bridge hadn't been thought of yet, so when you couldn't reach a shot,
you turned the cue around and slid the heavy end at the cue-ball.

..most of the snooker world still have the 'wedge' on their cues....it's
called a 'chamfer' btw
Ah, tradition....British players like their chamfers and brass ferrules...
...and pool players like their ivory ferrules.
..these three things should be taken out and shot...:angry:

 

[rexus31]

It's a hangover from the original 'maces'.
The bridge hadn't been thought of yet, so when you couldn't reach a shot,
you turned the cue around and slid the heavy end at the cue-ball.

..most of the snooker world still have the 'wedge' on their cues....it's
called a 'chamfer' btw
Ah, tradition....British players like their chamfers and brass ferrules...
...and pool players like their ivory ferrules.
..these three things should be taken out and shot...:angry:

Thanks for the info!

 

[TATE]

Not sure where to post this so I'll try here. I see a lot of cues from the early 1900's that have a wedge cut in the butt of the cue. Was there a purpose for this or is it purely for decoration?

As mentioned, it was originally a take off on the mace, then later for decoration. The ones with pearl and ivory were also used as a name area for personalization. It is often referred to as a "name plate". You often will see names scripted on important and custom cues.

Check out the description on the #26 1/2 and #360 here:

http://www.palmercollector.com/Brunswick/BruswickCollectorColorPlates.html

 

[pt109]

As mentioned, it was originally a take off on the mace, then later for decoration. The ones with pearl and ivory were also used as a name area for personalization. It is often referred to as a "name plate". You often will see names scripted on important and custom cues.

Check out the description on the #26 1/2 and #360 here:

http://www.palmercollector.com/Brunswick/BruswickCollectorColorPlates.html

I forgot how much I enjoy this site....well done.
I owned a cue like #28 once...it had the original silk grip.
I did a deal with Murphey out of Texas for it...
..I got 3 cues I was delighted with...
..he was equally delighted..
It's a good deal when both sides are happy.

 

[jgpool]

I never knew what that was for, thanks for the info. I have these 2 old Schmelkes that were purchased in the early 70's that I had redone by Schmelke and thought it was for decoration.

 

[DAVE_M]

I never knew what that was for, thanks for the info. I have these 2 old Schmelkes that were purchased in the early 70's that I had redone by Schmelke and thought it was for decoration.

That's because they are for decoration. The "wedges" in question are flat.

Like this:

 

[jgpool]

That's because they are for decoration. The "wedges" in question are flat.

Like this:

I stand corrected, I guess I did know. :wink: