A True Old World Craftsman
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Abe Rich in his shop. /Alicia Zuckerman
Abe Rich in his shop. /Alicia Zuckerman
For years, billiards aficionados made a kind of pilgrimage to a place called Star Cue. It was a tiny shop just off Fifth Street in South Beach—tucked behind Flower Bazaar, an upscale floral boutique. Holocaust survivor Abe Rich made some of the country’s most coveted pool cues. Tristram Korten stopped in and spoke with Rich shortly before he passed away.
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Professionals and amateurs sought out Star Cue. /Alicia Zuckerman
Professionals and amateurs sought out Star Cue. /Alicia Zuckerman
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Abe Rich /Alicia Zuckerman
Abe Rich /Alicia Zuckerman
Tags: audio, Miami Beach, people, pool cues, South Beach, Tristram Korten
When did Abe die? What happened to his business? Thanks.
He passed away in late November. Not sure what’s happening with the shop. Will post an update when I find out. Thanks for listening!
Alicia, please do post the info here? Picking up a cue from Star is one of those things I always meant to do … Maybe there’s a 21-oz left in inventory … Thanks for the story!
I believe I have a Rich cue, and I believe it is 21 ounces (maybe 20.5). The web address above has pictures of it. I got it in a prominent pool hall in Philly in 1974 where it was represented as a Palmer. I have been since convinced it is not a Palmer, but most likely a Rich. It’s in excellent shape, straight as an arrow, and hits great!
Best regards, Matt
I have some of Abes Cues
I Have a cue and I think Abe Rich made it. It had -RICH-
inscribed on the butt. Also a Number 6 under the shaft on the joint.and a number 6 when you remove the rubber bottom on the butt. I s this the way he signed them? I’m trying to find out who made it. It has an awesome hit,a little on the heavy side. How can I get more info.
I have a 1960’s era Ebony Rich cue that I purchased from a friend in 1969 or 70. I was in the Navy in Calif. at the time. The cue needs some repair to the butt, minor I believe. I am still not sure it was made by Mr. Rich, but A picture on the Proficient billiards website has a picture of a cue exactly like mine. I love the stick, still straight and gets lots of comments when seen. I have been advised to keep it in a safe place because of its value. It has sentimental value to me but am unsure of it monetary value. Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Rex
Abe was a great guy. I met Abe in the early 90’s when I lived in Southbeach. I remember coaxing him to begin signing his sticks. Abe said he didn’t like to, I guess he thought it wasn’t the humble thing to do. Anyway, I’m glad I could get him to sign them b/c it seems like everyone is really cherishing their cues now. I had Abe make me two signed cues, one was a sneaky pete style (it was stolen) and the other a bit fancier. I’ve never played much with the cue b/c it means so much to me. I would love to find the stolen cue so if anyone has a signed sneaky pete style cue signed by Abe in the early 90’s (I’ll give the exact date when shown) then I’d be interested in buying it (even though its already mine). THANK YOU and God bless Abe. DAN tvlawyer@gmail.com
in the early 90’s Abe made me a beautiful 18oz
sneaky pete with a 12mm professional taper.
he made it all by hand while i waited, he was
a real class act. i enjoyed all the old celebrity
photo’s he had on the wall like Jackie Gleason,
Sammy Davis, etc who he had made cues for
over the years.
he will be surely missed !!!