Nice cue. I really dig unidentified orphans, especially the ones the "experts" argue about. Being unidentified is still a little frustrating though. Interesting mix of qualities, no doubt. The fact that the rings don't line up only says to me that it is the earlier work of somebody good at their trade. It adds character to the cue in my view. Could be any of those makers mentioned, or somebody else.
I am not one of those that needs a name attached to a cue to make it a great cue. I have personally shot with several cues that had great names attached to them that actually did not hold up on the table compared to much "lesser" cues. Others shot with those same cues and giggled like school girls over how marvelous they shot....they just couldn't think past the name I think. Those cues had extremely high values.
I did follow the thread and had a close look at the pics. I got nowhere that anybody else hadn't already gone. I am no expert though, so that isn't saying much.
I like that cue. I feel certain it is made of unobtanium by Mr George Richard Burton Balahelmstain himself, in his basement, using only a wood lathe and an old Schrade pocket knife.
