Spain Cues - BS21-65

Burton Spain - early Model 21, 1965 Bird's-eye maple Merry Widow, all original, 2 shafts (BS21-65)

Burton Spain is perhaps best known as the maker of high-quality blanks used in the majority of the cues made by George Balabushka. He was also a fine cue maker in his own right. Since his passing in 1994, his work has been increasingly sought after by collectors.

This is a custom-made cue, made for Gene Moleterno, who told me purchased the cue from Burton in his basement shop in Chicago (before he opened his storefront shop in June 1965). I purchased it from the original owner in 2004. Gene told me he believes it was Burton's first bird's-eye maple “Merry Widow” cue, that later became known as the “Model 21.” Burton continued to produce the cue (with variations in the joint, ringwork, and wrap) into the 1980's.

The forearm and butt sleeve are both bird's-eye maple. At the bottom of the butt sleeve are five décor rings (black/green/yellow/green/black), which also decorate the white Delrin joint and shaft collars. The joint is Burton's preferred reverse-piloted type with the brass pin in the shafts. A white Delrin butt plate and black rubber bumper finishes the butt. The cue has the original black nylon wrap.

The cue is in excellent, all-original 95% condition.

Two original shafts with Cyro ferrules, Le Pro tips:

Shaft #1 (pool): 12.1 mm, 3.9 oz. 28 inches

Shaft #2 (snooker): 12.65mm, 4.7 oz., 31 inches

Butt: 14.1 oz., 29 inches

Weight: 18 oz. (18.8 oz. with extra long shaft)

The overall length is 57 or 60 inches depending on the shaft used.

Included with the cue is a photocopy of Burton Spain's 1980 brochure showing the Model 21 cue.

SOLD