Info on Adam "Made by Helmstetter" Pool Cue Series
7/5/2022 8:21:19 AM
Info on Adam "Made by Helmstetter" Pool Cue Series
I am looking for any info on "Made by Helmstetter" series of cues from Adam Cues.
- What years were they built?
- Were they actually built by Richard Helmstetter?
- Is there a catalog for this series?
- Were they available in the U.S.?
...and any other info that may be out there.
Thank You to my fellow Pool Cue enthusiasts.
Tim Cummings
thecueshop22@gmail.com
916-891-5896
Info on Adam "Made by Helmstetter" Pool Cue Series
Replies & Comments
billiardsforum on 8/18/2022 6:31:56 AMHi Tim,
The Helmstetter pool cue in your photos would be an Adam Helmstetter 87-17 cue from their "87" series, circa 1990s (the "87" isn't the year, it's just the series name).
It's MSRP was $650 at that time.
In regards to your other questions:
- What years were they built?
- In general, I believe the "by Helmstetter" cues (from Adam Cue) would be from somewhere between 1985 through to the 1990s. There were a number of different series with the "by Helmstetter" stamp on the forearm (at least 6 series which I know of off the top of my head).
- Were they actually built by Richard Helmstetter?
- They were built at Richard's Adam Cue facilities in Japan (of course Richard was the founding force behind Adam Cue Co.). I believe the "by Helmstetter" refers more to the design and production oversight, rather than the actual physical build of the cue.
- Is there a catalog for this series?
- Yes - as mentioned there are a number of series with the "by Helmstetter" stamp. Some had catalogs and some didn't (e.g. the later series).
- Were they available in the U.S.?
- Yes - they were sold through many dealers in North America. I am not sure if there were any distributors involved or if Adam Cue did their own distribution.
- What years were they built?
TCummings on 8/23/2022 9:57:39 AM
Thank you for the ID on the Adam AH-17 cue, I appreciate it.
I purchased this cue on 2022-07-03 from a gentleman in Japan, and it has been stuck in customs in Oakland, CA due to a Covid-related staffing shortage.
The cue was built with natural Mother of Pearl and U.S. Customs needed to know what species of Oyster it was and whether it was farm-raised or wild. A friend of mine told me the magic answer was farm raised Pinctada Maxima Oyster. That worked and Customs released the cue.
The cue is scheduled for delivery to me tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing it.
- billiardsforum on 8/23/2022 1:09:14 PM
Wow, that's good to know. Thanks Tim!
Good Morning Billiards Forum,
Your ID of this Helmstetter pool cue is spot on except for a couple of subtle differences.
- It turns out that this cue was purchased in 1983 in Japan, which is before the 87 series was released.
- The wood in the long points and butt sleeve is Rosewood and not Ebony.
- The 87 series cues have "Helmstetter" on the forearm, but this cue has "Made by Helmstetter" with the Adam Logo.
It appears to be a case of the same cue being released in several different series.
Thanks again I appreciate all you do for the pool community.
Tim Cummings- billiardsforum on 9/7/2022 12:19:19 PM
Ouch! I have no idea how that "Helmstetter" vs. "Made by Helmstetter" difference made it past me, I usually notice those things!
But seriously though, thanks a million for reporting back with the additional information! I really appreciate that!
Info on Adam "Made by Helmstetter" Pool Cue Series
- Title: Info on Adam "Made by Helmstetter" Pool Cue Series
- Author: TCummings (Tim Cummings)
- Published: 7/5/2022 8:21:19 AM
- Last Updated: 8/18/2022 6:03:24 AM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
