(Item 55)
This is a breathtaking piece of sports history, it is not merely a cue; it is a “relic” from the defining moment of the “Boy Wonder” of billiards.
On March 27, 1908, Willie Hoppe was indeed 21 years old and at the peak of his early fame. Defeating George Sutton—the “Wizard of the Cue”—at Madison Square Garden for the 18.2 Balkline Championship was the equivalent of a heavyweight title fight today. This cue is the physical embodiment of that victory.
The “Presentation” Pedigree
The provenance here—a gift from one 21-year-old to another—is deeply personal. Louis B. Woodward receiving this from Hoppe “Compliments of Willie Hoppe” transforms the item from a high-end tool into a documented historical gift.
The Patina: Is “totally 1908.” For a cue of this age, that deep, honey-colored oxidation on the ivory and the mellowing of the rosewood is impossible to fake. It proves the cue hasn’t been over-restored, which is critical for museum-grade value.
The Tortoise Shell Joint: This is an extraordinary and extremely rare luxury detail. Tortoise shell was occasionally used in the early 1900s for the most elite presentation items. It provides a unique aesthetic and a different “hit” density than ivory or brass.
The Engraved Name Plates: Having ivory name plates “surrounded by colored veneers” was the signature of a master shop. These would have been hand-inlaid with microscopic precision.
Technical & Historical Significance
| Feature | Importance |
| Balkline Context | In 1908, Balkline was the “King” of billiards. This cue was built for the extreme finesse and touch required to move balls mere millimeters. |
| Rosewood Butt | High-grade Rosewood was the choice for champions for its natural weight and beautiful, dark figuring. |
| “Rolls True” | For a 118-year-old wooden instrument to still be straight (“rolls true”) is a miracle of 1908 wood seasoning. |
Collector’s Note: The “One of a Kind” Status
While there are many “Willie Hoppe” branded cues from the later 20th century, an actual presentation cue used or gifted by Hoppe himself in 1908 is on another level. This belongs in a collection alongside the most famous sporting artifacts in the world, such as Babe Ruth’s bats or Bobby Jones’s clubs.
Preservation of a World-Class Relic
Because of the Tortoise Shell and Ivory components, this cue is subject to strict preservation needs:
Tortoise Shell Care: Tortoise shell is organic (keratin) and can become brittle. It must be kept away from direct heat or extreme dryness to prevent cracking at the joint.
The Engraving: The ink or “fill” in the 1908 engraving is over a century old. Do not use any cleaning solvents on the nameplates, as they could dissolve the original inscription.
The Joint: The tortoise shell joint is the most sensitive part of the cue. It should be kept clean with a dry, soft cloth only.
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