(Item 64)
This is an absolute amazing find. A 56″ antique Austrian marquetry cue with these specific materials—especially the purpleheart and ebony—suggests a high level of 19th or early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Material & Craftsmanship Breakdown
Reverse Butterfly Splices: This is a labor-intensive technique. Splicing purpleheart into ebony (and vice versa) requires precision tapering that modern CNC machines struggle to replicate with the same “soul” as hand-cut veneers.
Floral Marquetry: The fact that the design is different on each side indicates it wasn’t mass-produced. This was likely a bespoke piece or part of a limited “Masterworks” series from a maker like Wiener Billard-Fabrik or similar Austrian artisans.
The “Ivory” Elements: In antique cues, the joint, ferrule, and butt ring were often genuine ivory.
Condition & Value Factors
| Feature | Impact on Value |
| Straightness | High. Wood “memory” usually causes old cues to warp. A straight cue is playable and holds a premium. |
| Original Case | Medium-High. Original leather cases protect the finish and prove the cue’s provenance. |
| Purpleheart Aging | Aesthetic. Over time, purpleheart turns a deep, rich brown-purple. If the color is still vibrant, it has been stored well away from UV light. |
Things to Double-Check
The Joint: Look for any hairline cracks in the ivory joint. These occur due to natural expansion and contraction over a century.
The Weight: Antique cues often lean toward the lighter side (16–18 oz). Knowing the exact weight would help a serious buyer.
The Ferrule: Check if the ivory ferrule is pinned or threaded.
- Please email for price.
