JOSSWEST
LUCKY "POT OF GOLD" CUE
BY BILL STROUD
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Here is a rare, one-of-a-kind cue made by Bill Stroud when he was still somewhat early in his career. This was before his CNC days, but it it is a good example of how Bill was always ahead of his time and trying new, nearly impossible things. This is his famous "Pot of Gold" cue, and it was the only one he built, as far as I know.
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The most striking and unusual feature of this stick, the rainbows, is also the reason he only built the one. He said the rainbows, built from individual veneers colored veneers, had to be bent into an extreme shape, a very difficult task without breaking them. It took so much time, he said he'd never do it again.
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Not only is the build of this cue rare, it's especially unique in that after many years it is still in such excellent condition. It doesn't really appear to have ever been played, although examination of the shafts under a magnifying glass show that one has had some use. And, everything white in this stick is ivory, adding great value.
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He carries the star motif from the butt sleeve up into the forearm. There are actually four pairs of stars, each pair at the base of each of the four points. They anchor the points and at the same time form a "ring" above the wrap.
The butt sleeve is especially pretty. The rainbows - inverted up and down - circle a series of stars that also circle the cue, and complete the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" story that Bill was telling with this stick.
The butt cap is made of black delrin, and the sideways JW logo is engraved, indicating this stick was made between 1972 and 1980.
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The veneers in the cue are gorgeous - as pretty as any I've seen anywhere. The combination of six colors is outstanding: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and black. They are bright and colorful, and go along with the happy, cheerful theme of the cue.
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As was typical for him, he wrapped the cue with linen, using a black wrap with white specks. However, this is where "typical" stops with this stick. It is a wonderful example of Bill's work at this time, when he so often thought "outside the box." It's unique, it's colorful, and it's beautiful.
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It's hard to beat the veneer work in this cue. The colors are gorgeous, the work is meticulous, and the points are sharp and even. Great work even for a Master like Stroud.
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| Another nice plus for this stick is the addition of a beautiful ebony and ivory joint protector made by Bill. The ivory top is milled on the sides, creating practical and pretty notches circling its perimeter. Bill didn't particularly like making custom joint protectors, so originals by him are always a nice asset to a cue, especially one as pretty as this.
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This cue is built with a piloted steel joint, very typical from Bill at the time, with a 5/16 X 18 pin. It weighs 19.8 ounces, and comes with the two original shafts, both about 12.5 mm, with ivory ferrules. Everything is dead straight, shafts and butt. One shaft is unplayed. I thought at first the other was as well, but after examining it under a magnifying glass I can see very slight sign of play.
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A close look at these beautiful shafts. Well-aged, I would say, and from better quality maple than we're able to get these days in new cues.
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Here's a chance to buy a very beautiful Stroud cue that looks great, has tremendous resale value and plays extremely well. It is in remarkable condition for being 40 to nearly 50 years old. This cue is an investment that can be enjoyed at many levels.
PRICE: $4950 PLUS SHIPPING
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