How to Buy Antique Billiard Cues

Learn what you need to look for when buying antique billiard cues.

If you are a billiard fanatic or just obsessed with collecting vintage items or looking to impress the ladies at the billiard (pool hall), then this article is for you.

Antique billiard cues make for perfect conversational items and could be of great value to others that have an admiration for the sport.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The game of billiards, known as pool to some, has been around since the 17th century and became popular due to the French. Antique billiard cues from this era do not have tips on the ends. Before the age of machines and engineering, these cues were meticulously hand crafted from the finest woods and are perfectly sized and balanced.

   Extensive man hours went into creating a single cue, carving the most intricate designs on the handle end. Antique billiard cue tips were designed as early as the 19th century by Francois Mingaud to provide players with trajectory control. The most expensive cues were created out of graphite in the early 20th century. Brunswick crafted their first billiard cue in 1845 and used materials such as ebony, rosemary and maple. French cue maker, Henin Aine created cues with mother of pearl detailing. Germany took notice and also crafted exquisitely inlaid cues made of exotic materials.

2. You can identify an antique billiard cue by its handle. The handles are like works of are with attentive designs, inlays of precious stones and metals, as well as silk wrapping. Antique billiard cues from before the 20th century is one piece and should show signs of age.

   These cues should have worn engraved signatures and initials. The base of the cue should have a noticeably thicker base while the striking end should be thinner than newer two piece models.

3. The value of antique billiard cues steadily increases making these items highly coveted. The artistically crafted handles and the uniqueness of the older designs make a great investment for anyone that can get a hold of one. Those individuals that are familiar with the game can easily spot one, however if you are a novice, it is highly recommended that you stick with one maker to study at a time.

   There are hundreds of billiard cue manufacturers, both companies and individual carpenters so it is imperative that you do your homework before committing to any particular cue because there are people that try to sell newer billiard cues as antiques.

4. You can personally test your antique billiard cue for damages by analyzing the vibration of your cue. You can either hold the cue at the middle with one hand while striking it with the palm of the other, or you can drop the base end on a carpet to test the vibration. If you discover that your antique billiard cue makes a high pitched vibration that would be an indication that the base is cracked or the ferrule needs to be tightened.

5. Hopefully now you are better informed about the value in acquiring your own antique billiard cues and are able to spot true antiques from impostors during your vintage excursion. Don't forget to take a look around while you're here for more great information on antique billiard cues.