(Item 41)

Antique B. Finck Co. “Zebra Style #20” Hand-Spliced Billiard Cue (c. 1839)

This extraordinary one-piece cue is a premier example of early 19th-century European cue artistry. Manufactured by the renowned B. Finck Co. in Berlin, Germany, around 1839, this “#20” model is a masterclass in hand-spliced geometry, predating the industrial automation of cue manufacturing.

Construction & Artistry

  • Hand-Spliced Complexity: The cue features a staggering total of 26 hand-spliced points and 26 hand-spliced butterflies (counting both sides). The sheer density of these splices requires immense skill, resulting in the iconic “Zebra Style” visual rhythm that is highly sought after by collectors of early German cues.

  • Master Craftsmanship: As a product of Berlin’s elite mid-19th-century billiard trade, this piece reflects the transition from simple utilitarian instruments to highly decorative works of art.

  • One-Piece Construction: The cue is a solid, one-piece unit, preserved in its original form to showcase the integrity of the wood and the precision of the hand-cut joints.

  • Dimensions: Measures 55 1/4″ in length.

Museum Quality

Given its age and the high volume of intricate splicing, this B. Finck Co. cue is a significant historical artifact. It serves as a definitive example of pre-Victorian era craftsmanship, making it an ideal centerpiece for a museum-grade collection or a high-end period billiard room.

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