Willie Hoppe Cue

C

Charlie D

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
During my journeys with my cue today, I came across a elderly Gentleman, The subject quickly came up about pool.
This Gentleman then stated he had a cue that was signed by Willie Hoppe, and His friend had won it from Willie Hoppe during a game of pool in Indiana, must of been in the early 50s or late 40s.He stated Willie was older during that game. The Gentlemans friend then gave him the cue since the winner had more than a few cues already. The Gentleman say's he has had the cue since then, and hasn't played with it in decades. The cue is a 2 piece, steel joint, could be brass, No wrap, and is straight. The Gentleman states He would like to sell it, then gave me a price. I've researched a little on Hoppe cues. i have not seen the cue and looks like tomorrow I will see the cue.
The question is, what should I look at, points, condition, if it has veneers( if thats the right term) If it is signed by Willie, and not a burnt in signature. Any insight on what to look at and anything that would help me not make a mistake on this purchase, would a letter stating how he aquired the cue increase the value, and what would a fair value be on such a cue? I know without pictures, I might be asking alot. Charlie D
 
If it were made by Rambow it would have "Titleist" points. Might be any cue from Mr. Hoppes era? Too bad we don't have pictures....SPF=randyg
 
Charlie D said:
During my journeys with my cue today, I came across a elderly Gentleman, The subject quickly came up about pool.
This Gentleman then stated he had a cue that was signed by Willie Hoppe, and His friend had won it from Willie Hoppe during a game of pool in Indiana, must of been in the early 50s or late 40s.He stated Willie was older during that game. The Gentlemans friend then gave him the cue since the winner had more than a few cues already. The Gentleman say's he has had the cue since then, and hasn't played with it in decades. The cue is a 2 piece, steel joint, could be brass, No wrap, and is straight. The Gentleman states He would like to sell it, then gave me a price. I've researched a little on Hoppe cues. i have not seen the cue and looks like tomorrow I will see the cue.
The question is, what should I look at, points, condition, if it has veneers( if thats the right term) If it is signed by Willie, and not a burnt in signature. Any insight on what to look at and anything that would help me not make a mistake on this purchase, would a letter stating how he aquired the cue increase the value, and what would a fair value be on such a cue? I know without pictures, I might be asking alot. Charlie D
Click to expand...

PM Tate, and Manwon they are like the best experts on the subject. IMHO.
 
I highly doubt Willie Hoppe would have played anyone a game of pool and certainly not for a wager. Hoppe looked down on pool and pool players and didn't bet, at all. That said, the cue in question may be a Hoppe or a Hoppe style cue.
 
If its from the 50s it won't look like the cheap overseas cues made today. If it looks original take a flyer and buy it if its not more than a few hundred dollars.
 
Bring a camera and tell him that you have some friends that can authenticate the cue for him. If he takes offense, he's full of sheet. If he's on the up and up, he will oblige a free authentication.
 
The guy is asking $400.00, Now the Titlest points, do I look at the color and the order the colors of the points
?
 
If I pull the trigger, I will post pic's if I dont maybe, I can give the guy's number to those interested. Charlie D
 
Go to the for sale section and look for titlest conversions. This will give you an idea what to look for. Keep in mind the joint may be different but look at the points.
 
if its a titlist 400 is the top for the asking prices. it prob wont roll straight. as far as what to look for. i always look at the veneers. look between the veneers for any seperation. the face that its wrapless makes me wonder. if the finish looks too thick its prob already converted. if it is already converted 400 is a good price just about whoever did it.

maybe youll get lucky and its an ebony titlist..... if it is buy it immed. ebony is black. rosewood purpleheart or any other brown woods are pretty common
 
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