Visit to the Worsts

[zensteve]

A few years ago I visited with Harold's wife Tena. She has lived in the same house back when Harold was alive. I met his children Sharon and Harold Jr. It was nice speaking with them. They invited me to see Harold's 3 cushion table that I had an interest in purchasing. Here are some pictures of Harold's table and cues which has remained pretty much unchanged since his passing.



Harold Worst

Harold John Worst was an American champion three-cushion billiards champion. He won the three cushion billiard championship in Argentina in 1954, the youngest player to compete at his level. Harold Worst died June 16, 1966, Grand Rapids, MI

 

[bbb]

what a piece of history
i hope you get to buy the table and cues

 

[zensteve]

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of his passing.

 

[Logandgriff]

Worst Cues

FYI -- those cues were "Harold Worst" cues made by A. E. Schmidt. I grew up in St. Louis (home of A. E. Schmidt) and plenty of my friends had these in the 60s. The Schmidt 1963-64 catalog lists them at $15.95. They had thick plastic "wrap"; I think it was a single piece. That catalog says that the Harold Worst cues were "wrapped with Air-Stream plastic, ribbed for slip-shot...." Maybe the Szambotis, Tascarellas, Prewitts and Tibbitts, etc. of the world can start making some cues with Air-Stream plastic so we children of the 60s can play like we did back then.

Back then I went a different direction: bought a $35.00 (new) Brunswick Willie Hoppe and had it tricked out by A.E. Schmidt: ivory ferrule, ivory disc in the butt and my initials on it. I think I paid less than $15.00 for all these upgrades. Still have this cue.

 

[zensteve]

Logandgriff, you are absolutely correct. I had a Willie Hoppe as well. Many/most cues of this era has brass joints/collars including my Harold Worst cue.

 

[Logandgriff]

Here's My 60s Hoppe

Here is a photo of my tricked up 60s Hoppe.