VINTAGE PALMER FOUR POINT
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I don't handle a lot of older, antique cues. But I did end up with this one after some trading at the New Jersey Super Billiards Expo, and I didn't mind - Palmers are among the most collectible of all the older cues, and it's rare to find one in such good condition. I have recently been told this cue is the #8 from the Palmer third catalog.
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I have to believe that this cue has been restored, but the work is so well done that I can't be sure. The main reason I think it has is that it's in such great condition. It would be extremely rare to find one this old in this kind of original condition. What throws me a bit is that even the parts that I know have to be original (like the foil name under the plastic sleeve) look brand new. So, I keep wondering how much of the rest of the cue is original.
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Both of the shafts have been played, but only one shows bluing. The other looks to me like it was made later and the wood looks to be unplayed, but the ferrule has picked up some bluing, so it appears to have been played at least a little, unless it picked up the chalk through years of being carried around in a case. However, if it was made later it is made to such tight specs that you can hardly tell the difference from the original. The only hint I can see is that the brass insert on what I think is the newer shaft has a slightly sharper edge than the original. But even that doesn't prove anything, it could have been added by Palmer later. Even the color and grain in the material in the pearloid ring is a perfect match.
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It is wrapped in a white linen wrap with black speckles. Again, I suspect the wrap is probably not original, but only because it is in such good condition.
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The points are probably ebony, but could be a very dark rosewood. It shows a little grain and has a slight brownish color to it.
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It has the original old Palmer stainless steel piloted joint with a pearloid ring between two small black phenolic rings. The ringwork is matched on the two shafts.
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It has the old long-style white delrin butt cap that has a translucent look to it. This cue is a mystery to me ... even the rubber bumper looks to be original, but again, shows absolutely no wear. It looks new, but isn't - it has the feel of old rubber that has hardened with age.
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It is rare to find a cue like this in such good condition. It is very straight - also rare for sticks of this vintage. It weighs 18.8 ounces. Because of what it is, its rarity, and the excellent condition, this cue is worth having.
PRICE: $1,000
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