(Item 13)
Antique Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. #360 Pool Cue, c. 1900
This 56 1/2-inch two-piece cue is a premier example of the high-complexity “fancy” cues produced by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. at the turn of the century. The #360 model is renowned among collectors for its sophisticated geometry and the labor-intensive hand-splicing required to achieve its signature aesthetic.
Advanced Woodworking & Inlays
The #360 is defined by a multi-layered construction that showcases the pinnacle of Edwardian-era billiard engineering.
Triple Spliced Points & Reverse Butterflies: This cue features three distinct sets of hand-spliced points. The inclusion of “butterflies in reverse”—a decorative splicing technique where the wood veneers are flipped to create a winged pattern—marks this as a high-tier professional instrument.
Ebony Spliced Shaft: Matching the density of the butt, the shaft features an ebony splice. This adds significant structural stiffness to the cue’s “hit” and creates a striking, continuous dark profile from the joint through the taper.
Mother of Pearl (MOP) Inset Wedge: A luxurious Mother of Pearl wedge is set into the butt, framed by multiple colored veneers that provide a vibrant contrast against the dark wood grains.
Two-Piece Ivory Joint: The cue utilizes a precision-machined ivory-to-ivory joint, the gold standard for providing the crisp, communicative feedback favored by master players of the 1900s.
Historical Significance
The #360 was one of Brunswick’s most visually complex catalog offerings. The combination of triple-spliced points and reverse butterflies required a level of manual bench-work that is rarely replicated in modern production.
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