Rambow Cues - HR-TPK

Herman Rambow custom cue (HR-TPK) - c. 1963, 22 inlays, all-original

Herman Rambow made cues in Chicago from 1915 until his passing in 1967. For decades he worked for Brunswick, where he developed a full-spliced cue blank, which was first introduced in 1940. The `Titlist” was the basis for nearly every cue made by Rambow from the 1940s until his passing in 1967. During the 40's, Rambow made a line of custom cues for Brunswick's best players and customers while overseeing the company's cuemaking operation. He was forced to retire in 1950, and set up his own shop in downtown Chicago. His reputation was such that he soon had more orders than he could fill. Rambow made the cues used by Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason in The Hustler. Many of the most famous players of the era favored Rambow cues, including Willie Mosconi and Minnesota Fats.

This handsome Rambow cue comes with a history and a great story. It was owned by Philip “Fez” Kasem, who traveled on the road with “Cowboy” Jimmy Moore and other great players during the 1960's. Fez was a pretty good player himself, but he was better known in those days as a backer for Jimmy and many other top players of the time. The cue has stayed in the family for over 40 years, and was recently passed down to Fez's grandson. Fez is 90 years old but still has sharp memories of his days on the road. According to Fez, he acquired the cue from Minnesota Fats after a tournament in Albuquerque in the 60's. Apparently Fats, who was not a tournament player, had gone bust. Fez gave him a loan so he could leave town, and took the cue as collateral. Fats never repaid the loan, and Fez was happy to have the cue, which became one of his regular playing cues. He marked his name “FEZ” on the nipple of his favorite shaft.

Custom Herman Rambow cue made circa 1963. This Titlist full-spliced cue has four rosewood points into straight-grained maple, with the standard four colored veneers, purple, aqua, brown, and natural. The rosewood butt sleeve is finished with a large ivory butt cap, a style made by Rambow in his later years. A screw attaches the solid ivory butt cap; there is no bumper. A single ivory dot is inlaid in the base of each point, with another above the tips. Two black dot inlays are inlaid in pairs in between the points. Six larger ivory dots form a ring in the center of the butt sleeve. The original Cortland Irish linen wrap has a patina from many years of play. Piloted brass joint and pin; the brass shows some oxidation. Black linen joint and shaft collars. The finish is in very good original condition, with slight wear above the butt cap. Overall the cue is in 85% condition.

The 22 inlays make this a fancy cue by Rambow standards; most have little or no inlay work. The cue is not signed (only approximately 10% of Rambow's cues were signed, mostly by others).

Two 3-3/4 oz., 27-1/4 inch original shafts with ivory ferrules:

Shaft #1 (marked FEZ):12.6mm, playable (slight roll);

Shaft #2: 12.4 mm, straight. Both shafts are played and have chalk staining.

The butt is straight and 29-1/2 inches for an overall length of 56-3/4 inches.

Weight: 20-3/4 oz.

The cue will come with a Letter of Authenticity.

PRICE: $6,800 BUY / Contact Us Cash offers only, please.