- The Palmer Collector -

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Q & A and Talk Column
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Due to time constraints, I no longer  will maintain this column.  This is an archive I've received with many interesting stories. I will try to publish those which contain information of special interest to collectors. Please try to include detailed photos, dates, and locations. This will enable us all to form timelines on the items we see here.


Thank You!

- Special Note Concerning Values -

People inquire about values for many reasons including curiosity, insurance coverage, potential selling or asking price, and more. I feel qualified to answer value questions on most 1st through 3rd Catalog Palmers which is my collecting interest.

If values are discussed, I will do so privately, but will omit value information from these published pages. Why?  I don't wish to create an unfair expectation in either a seller or buyer, or fix a "price" on a cue.  Since I am a collector (not a dealer or trader),  I am also a buyer of many cues. If I am interested in adding a cue to my collection,  I will try to offer realistic cash prices for any potential acquisition.
On November 6, 2005 Wayne writes...
 

Chris,

Deno Andrews suggested I write you with my questions. 

I have a vintage Palmer pool cue that I would like hear whatever you might be able to tell me (pictures are attached) about it. 

I purchased this cue used in the late 1960's from a company in Detroit called CueMaster ...




                                                 On October 31, 2005 Frank Writes...
 
Hello Chris,

   My name is Frank. I am writing from My aunt's email, Sally. Hard to confuse us if you saw us, hah. Anyhow, I have had a great time looking over your site and learning much about Palmer cues. You must have a wonderful collection.

  I bought mine approx. 1978 in San Jose, Ca from a Billiard Supply shop, I think it was called Universal Billiards. It was right next to a popular nite club called The Saddle Rack...


On October 20, 2005 Greg Writes...
 

Hi Chris,
 
  I was wanting some information on a Palmer cue I have...    I'm thinking it is a second catalog, but I'm not an expert on cues!   Joel Hercek gave me your name and thought you would be able to provide me with some information. 
      On June 6, 2005 Mort Writes...
 

Chris,

I have been looking around for a source to make a new shaft and ran into your site. The only cue I have ever owned was a Palmer I bought in early ’70. It was just the plain jane version I used when I shot pool in Elizabeth NJ...





On June 3, 2005, David Writes...
 

Chris,

I acquired a Palmer Cue Model 19 from my Uncle's estate some time ago and wondered if you could tell me anything about it.  It was from your website that I even knew it was a Model 19.  Thanks.  My uncle's name was Joe Wallace.  He was a longtimer in Reno originally from Lowell, MA. 

I have enclosed a few pics for you to look at.  My uncle was a pro player out of Reno, Nevada.  Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to acquire his skills at the sport...

On November 2, 2005  Guy writes...

Chris,

I met this guy and bought a cue today.  This is incredible! It was bought at an Estate sale,It was owned by a 70 year old man that bought it new with the case in 1965. He decided he wanted to play pool..and after playing 3 nights with it, he changed his mind and put the cue in the case and forgot about it...

 


On November 14, 2005, Kerry Writes...


Hi Chris,

       My son Kerry Kooken, Jr. sent me the email you sent him. I paid $550 in 1970 for the #20 Palmer.  I used it for many years and traded the cue  for two cues.  One of the cues I traded for was owned by Rudolf Wanderone, " Minnesota Fats". ..
On December 1,  John Writes...

Hey Chris,

I took a look at your site.  Very nice!  You sure have a lot of great information there.  Convinced me I almost certainly have a Palmer. I’ve attached several photos.

I spent my freshman & sophomore years at Rutgers (Sept 1970- May 1972) and bought the cue from one of the 2 best players who used to play in the pool room in the student union there.  I don’t know his name, probably didn’t know it even then, since he was way out of my league, skill-wise.  He was a 9 ball player, always had money on his games.  If I remember correctly he sold me the stick because he lost big and needed the dough.

December, 2005 Sam Engles writes...

Chris,

After some discussions with a group of close associates, we have decided the best place for this old Palmer cue is with your collection.  It belonged to George Rood, The Old Trapper, an amazing man.  George is 91 years old. He played many of the greats including Willie Mosconi and beat many of them. I am enclosing his cue, and a manuscript written by Todd Recher, "The Life and Times of Judge George Rood".   Thank you my friend.





December, 7, 2005 Johhny writes...


Hi Chris,

I have owned this Palmer since 1971 and still use it today.  I take very good care of the cue and it has original Irish linen wrap on it.  I have the original shaft and have two others that I use.
Please take a look at my pictures.





December 10, 2005 Michael writes...

Chris,
         
I bought this Palmer from a guy (I believe his name was Eddie)  at Palmer Billiards about 19 years ago while looking for a cue for my cousin. The cue was made for Jack Colavita. Jack played with it for 16 years . He had a deal with Palmer that he had to return the cue if he were going to use another cuemaker.  Jack started playing with a Richard Black.


January 2, 2006 Allen writes...
Hi Chris,

The Palmer Original is the stick that I have questions about. I can’t find it in any catalog. I won it from a guy in the early to mid 70’s. He told me he used to work at Palmer Billiards and that one of the mother of pearl rings cracked during production so they never put in the rest of the inlays. He said that the just finished it off plain and that he used it as his own stick.

January 7, 2006 Richard writes...

Chris,

Sending you these pictures of my cue that I bought new back in the 1966 or so and  I was told it is a Palmer and would like you to confirm that it is. I still use the cue. If it's a Palmer, what would be the value of the cue?

Thanks for your help,

Richard


June 28, 2006 Stephen writes...

Hi Chris,

Attached are pics of my Model K from the early 1970's.  I ordered it directly from Palmer and waited for what seemed an eternity for delivery.  I rarely used it (as the pictures will show)...

April 28, 2006 Matt writes...


Chris,

I have had this cue and never could find out exactly what model it was some people try to tell me it's a B or a C from the 2nd catalog, but I'd like to
be sure...
June 7, 2006 Darin Writes...

Hello Chris,

I ran across your site with a Google search, it's outstanding.  I wonder if you can tell me some things about my Palmer cue.  My cue matches the one in your Catalog 1, Model 1 page.  It has yellow and black linen, thinner brass joint wall, plain brown points with no inlays, darker ivory colored butt joint (about 7/8" with no cap), also it has two shafts and the window says Original by Palmer (I assume your's does too)...



June 7, 2006 Richard (Lee) writes...

I'm not sure of the date, 1964-65, I accompanied a local pool hall owner and a business man to New Jersey, because they wanted to buy Palmer Cues. I was only 19 yrs old, but I was hooked on pool shooting. After Eugene Balner himself took my friends orders, he asked what I wanted to order...



October 4, 2006 Tom writes...

WOW! What a site. I bookmarked you immediately. The first cue I ever bought was a Palmer, second catalogue, Model G. I was USAF, stationed at Griffis AFB in New York, cold long winters so playing pool became a thing to do. I was lucky in that an extremely good player was also
stationed there named Roger. He was very good and influenced many of us to develop and learn...