Model 26 1/2 was the 4-veneer predecessor to the "Carom King", which was followed in 1941 by the "Titlist" and the 2-piece "Professional".  All dating consists of educated guesses, but the examples below have the "Gold with red field" decal (1st cue) (c.1921-25 - 3rd ed. Blue Book) and the "Green with red field" decal (cues 2-6) (c.1926-39 - 3rd ed. Blue Book). The 7th cue is a 1941-45 Titlist.

Prior to 1923, a version of Model 26 1/2 with a MOP wedge on one side of the butt was available - these are scarce and demand a high premium. There aren't enough examples here to draw too many conclusions, but the earlier model has a wider butt and forearm, but then tapers sharply, resulting in a thinner shaft.  In addition, the weight is stamped between the points. The next 3 examples and the 6th are circa 1930's - all came with leather wraps and have the weights stamped on the butt. Shafts are thicker and the splices are about 3/4" longer than the earlier 26 1/2 and their Titlist successors. The 5th cue is a mahogany-grain brown wood, has no wrap, weight is again stamped on the butt, and the original ferrule is white, man-made, and exactly like the one on the orange-brown cue. This cue stands out because the forearm is made of birdseye maple rather than straight-grain (see picture at bottom).

If you have measurements/characteristics for additional Model 26 1/2 examples, please contact me.


Brunswick-Balke-Collender Model 26 1/2