The Old Cue Thread

[SnookerSam1009]

Hi, I have recently came into the possession of a Thurston Ltd cue which is about 200 years old... anyone know the value of such cue? It’s the 1815 or after model after they became a Ltd company. Thanks in advance!

[100-uper]

It is my understanding that Smith's contract with Burroughes & Watts commenced in May 1923 and was initially for six years, but towards the end of that period it was extended to nine years. Neither party would have been producing a cue which carried the other's name outside these dates. I haven't seen an advert for this particular cue, so can't say whether it was an ivory badge or not. They did still use ivory for top end cues right through the period between the wars, and beyond, but I can't say whether this was one of those models. Andy Hunter will know.

Update: Looking at the photos of the badge on my PC, I would say that was definitely ivory.

[DeanH]

so he sign with B&W 1924 to 1932
so the cue could not be outside that range

you thoughts, ivory vs plastic?

[100-uper]

I think it may be slightly earlier than the 1930s. As far as I know Burroughes & Watts closed their cue-making facility in the late 1920s and moved to wholesale supply for all the cues they were selling. The fact that this cue mentions that it was manufactured by them would suggest early to mid 1920s to me. Smith was, of course, champion in 1920 and 1923.

Willie Smith was under contract to Burroughes & Watts from 1923 to 1932, after which he entered into an agreement with Kent & Cleal, the wholesale manufacturer for the sole manufacture and supply of his branded cues.

[DeanH]

my guess, purely a guess, for this version is 1930s to WW2

[Georgeseccombe]

Thanks Dean, it’s in really good condition considering it’s age and pretty much dead straight, so I’m happy with it. Plays surprisingly well too! If someone could give an estimate on the year of manufacture that would be great.

[DeanH]

a very nice cue there
from the look of it it seems to be a later version from the shape and width of the butt (as opposed to the wider flatter billiard-cue look)
the earliest cue are from 1924 when Smith contracted to B&Ws, and not sure when the later version came out and so this is precisely when plastics started to be used.
From look alone I am not sure if it is ivory.
I hope others come on with their views
lovely looking cue

[Georgeseccombe]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/185354...eposted-public

https://www.flickr.com/photos/185354...eposted-public

https://www.flickr.com/photos/185354...eposted-public

https://www.flickr.com/photos/185354...posted-public/

[Georgeseccombe]

Seeking advice on a cue nameplate... I recently acquired this willie smith champion cue, can anyone tell me whether this badge is made from ivory? There is kind of a grain like pattern on the edges of the badge which I’ve been told indicates that it could be ivory.

Ill stick a few more pics of it on here too, it’s a beauty!

[ADR147]

Hi.

I've just started making cues but had this to refurb.

Credit to Andy Hunter for the info.

"Dawson billiard champion in 1889 1890 1901 & 1903.In March 27th 1893 he made the 698 break and the 613 in September in 1890 so this cue would be after 1893 this is a early one so between 1893 1900.Dawson was born December 20th 1866 in Huddersfield ."

few before and after photos attached.

I would bow down to Andy Hunters experience on this but I would suggest this is too good to be an early one - did andy see these pictures?

[Swal87]

Hi.

I've just started making cues but had this to refurb.

Credit to Andy Hunter for the info.

"Dawson billiard champion in 1889 1890 1901 & 1903.In March 27th 1893 he made the 698 break and the 613 in September in 1890 so this cue would be after 1893 this is a early one so between 1893 1900.Dawson was born December 20th 1866 in Huddersfield ."

few before and after photos attached.

[Johnnybling]

I have a walter donaldson hand spliced ash cue from around 1950 its a two piece cue ive had it around 12 years. Beautiful wood

[sam147]

I'm a cue collector, been at it for a couple of years and would like some different cues to what I already have. If you lot have any in good original condition then give me a shout. 07762586856

[fkhan]

Good luck for the match and thanks for a picture of the arrows.

[vmax]

Because the grain in beech isn't soft like it is with ash there's no grain filler used so it's not enhanced.