The Evolution of the Boar
Many people have inquired as to the overall number of cues made since Black Boar’s conception. Research and confirmation is still underway, but enough data has been chronicled to reveal some very distinct cue eras and a guess-timation of the quantities.
The very first set of 10 cues made in 1988 with the Black Boar name and logo were a very much a team endeavor. These cues featured Szamboti style with a Black Boar twist. Tony, Sr. acted as ringleader. Solid hitting cues, Tim Scruggs and Bill McDaniels were responsible for the blanks. The simple classic looking cues with ivory inlays were designed by Tony, Sr. and Vince Sangemeister. Tony, Jr. was responsible for the technology. He had a brilliant mind for computers and manifested any program his father wished. Vince connected it all to the pool room. He had a strong game. He knew the scene and the players.
Shortly after the first trade show in 1988, the need for a shop equipped to build cues from end to end became necessary. By 1990, with the shop operational, Black Boar Industries consisted of Tony, Sr., his brothers, Frank and Raymond, his son, Tony, Jr., and family friends, Vince Sangemeister and Tommy Peterson. Each individual played an important role in the launch of Black Boar. Frank and Raymond watched over the finances. Vince, the only pool guru of the bunch, was instrumental in keeping Black Boar connected to their market. Tony, Sr. managed research, development, and production management.
The 4 point cues sold largely through an East Coast dealer base until roughly 1992. Some cues from this era feature engraving, and a ‘BB custom’ logo vs. the original ‘BB Boars Head logo.’ The ‘BB custom’ logo was the predecessor of the silver ‘BB’ used today. (Click here to learn more about the evolution of the Black Boar logos.) From 1988- 1992/3 approximately 400- 4 point cues were sold.
By the fall of 1993, with the technological groundwork in place, Tony Sr. encouraged Tony, Jr. to move on. Tony, Sr. says, “He was (IS) way too talented to waste his time making cues.” Frank had moved on, bored and unimpressed with the industry, leaving Raymond to watch the books and lend a helping hand. Vince and Tony continued production responsibilities, but without the inlay work of Tony Jr. the cues took on a new focus. In the first phase, 6 point cues turned out to be high performance playing cues with hardwood veneers and little or no inlays.
Later, around the spring of 1994, Tony, Sr. became solely responsible for production, marking the second phase. The new 6 point cues refined their definitive playability, and became the staging ground for rapid advancement in overall theory in artistry and engineering. These cues featured an introduction to segmented ring designs and a ‘BB’ logo. The some of the inlay work showcased flower designs and mirror images. Several of the changes made at that time were the foundation from which today’s cues evolved. It is estimated (though not conclusive) that from fall of 1993 to spring of 2002, less than 100- 6 point Black Boar cues were built. Each is at least slightly different from the next, some drastically different from others, and individually, they are remarkably rare.
In 2007, an apprentice arrived at The Shop- Donnie Thorpe- who just so happens to be Tony Sr.'s eldest grandson. Under Tony Sr.'s tutelage, Donnie quickly learned all aspects of cue building and brought a fresh new set of eyes to the artistic design. This meant that Tony Sr. could comfortably transition his role to art direction, something he always felt was more in line with his skill set. (It also gave Tony Sr. more time to pursue his passions and hobbies, like go-cart building!)
The era with Donnie designing and building Black Boars has produced some of the most aesthetically mind-blowing cues to ever go out the door. Black Boar continues the tradition of being a family business at it's core, boasting three generations of incredibly gifted artists and engineers.
