| In this article we'll focus on the last piece | | | | Since Finck, many other famous cue makers |
| of billiard improvements which is the cue | | | | came onto the scene including Britner, |
| itself. | | | | Rambow, Paradise, Balner, Martin, Szamboti |
| | | | and Balabushka. All of these companies, even |
| Cue construction, even in the early days, was | | | | today, make cues that are considered a symbol |
| more an art than a science. Billiard cues, | | | | of excellence and are valued as true |
| even going back to the early maces, were | | | | treasures. |
| probably the most artistic of all the items | | | | |
| associated with the game itself. Early maces | | | | There are many variations in the cues that |
| were hand carved ivory and inlaid jewels and | | | | are made. They are dictated by the game |
| gold. They were probably worth as much as | | | | itself. For example, billiard cues are |
| the whole table itself. | | | | stiffer than pool cues because billiard balls |
| | | | are heavier than pool balls. Other |
| With the advances made in industry in the | | | | variations include the type of wood that is |
| 1800s cues were not only made beautifully but | | | | used which will determine how light or heavy |
| they could now be mass produced in a variety | | | | the cue itself is, as some prefer a heavier |
| of styles. Probably the greatest cue | | | | cue to a lighter one. |
| manufacturer of the era was B. Finck | | | | |
| Company. It was said that their cues in both | | | | A good part of the reason that billiard cues |
| beauty and quality was unequalled by anyone. | | | | were able to be made so well and attractive |
| Their cues were used by the finest players in | | | | was the art of marquetry, which is the art of |
| Europe. Eventually they became the largest | | | | making designs or pictures with thin pieces |
| cue manufacturer on the continent. | | | | of wood, shell or other materials. This art |
| | | | has been a part of billiard cue making almost |
| By 1879 Finck had more than 160 cues in its | | | | right from the beginning. Floral, geometric |
| catalogue. They made both one and two piece | | | | or other inlaid designs have greatly added to |
| cues in many designs and styles. They even | | | | the beauty of tables and cues. Precious gems |
| made cues that were designed for specific | | | | and metals have also been used in this art. |
| games and for all levels of society, from the | | | | Even the art of "finishing," which Stradavari |
| lowest commoner to the highest in royalty. | | | | used on his violins, was also used on cues |
| They also specialized in what were called | | | | and tables. |
| "cues for kings." These cues were extremely | | | | |
| expensive, made with inlaid gold and very | | | | The truth is, one of the main reasons for |
| rare gems. Most of the cues were actually | | | | billiards popularity is the beauty of the |
| purchased by the kings as more of a status | | | | game pieces itself. |
| symbol and were very rarely used in actual | | | | |
| play. Finck also created custom cues which | | | | In our last article in this series we're |
| were awarded as prizes in various tournaments | | | | going to show how billiards made its way to |
| across the land. | | | | America. |
| | | | |