The Joseph Bennett cue

The Joseph Bennett cue that I have is from around 1885; the butt is huge, however the weight is kept down by shortening the length of the ebony splices. This keeps the balance point in the correct place while allowing the player the extra feel of the larger butt. 

The cue has a Cherry splice that makes it look and feel very nice indeed, the facing splice has Mr Bennetts name and address engraved on it with a Burroughes & Watts stamp below that. The cue is hand-spliced in the usual way with four ebony splices.

According to some reports, Joseph Bennett’s own playing cue, which he used throughout his career, was just 14 ounces in weight.

The Bennett business moved to Oxford Street in 1871 and stayed there until 1889, when he took over Cook’s rooms at the Blenheim Restaurant, New Bond Street, a long tenancy for billiard rooms.

David Smith
Cues n Views

Historical information thanks to Peter Ainsworth