Is this a known or typical Rich cue? Could it be a Paradise?

[PhilosopherKing]

Cue belonged to renowned NYC artist Rudi Stern.

It reminded me enough of another cue to make me want to have it.

Does anyone know the model or approximate year it was made, or have an example of a similar cue?

Maybe a cue with the same joint rings or turning pattern?

Could it be an early/atypical Paradise?

Cue is 56” even split... Billiard cue?

Did Rich make 56“ cues? I know Paradise did.

I acquired the cue directly from his widow, and it seems to have spent it’s entire life screwed together.

I also have Mr. Stern’s McDermott D-5... The cues are an interesting cross section of NYC’s old art and pool scenes.

Rudi Stern worked in neon.

When he was’t creating installations for the likes of the Doors and Timothy Leary, he was making his living crafting neon signs for ordinary businesses.

I assume he had a few poolrooms as customers, and probably rubbed elbows with some of New York’s pool legends.

Thanks.

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Cue belonged to renowned NYC artist Rudi Stern.

It reminded me enough of another cue to make me want to have it.

Does anyone know the model or approximate year it was made, or have an example of a similar cue?

Maybe a cue with the same rings?

Seems to have spent it’s entire life screwed together.

I also have Mr. Stern’s McDermott D-5... The cues are an interesting cross section of NYC’s old art and pool scenes.

Rudi Stern worked in neon.

When he was’t creating installations for the likes of the Doors and Timothy Leary, he was making his living crafting neon signs for ordinary businesses.

I assume he had a few pool halls as customers, and probably rubbed elbows with some of New York’s pool legends.

Thanks.View attachment 602412View attachment 602413

View attachment 602414View attachment 602415View attachment 602416

Cue belonged to renowned NYC artist Rudi Stern.

It reminded me enough of another cue to make me want to have it.

Does anyone know the model or approximate year it was made, or have an example of a similar cue?

Maybe a cue with the same rings?

Could it be an early/atypical Paradise?

I acquired the cue directly from his widow, and it seems to have spent it’s entire life screwed together.

I also have Mr. Stern’s McDermott D-5... The cues are an interesting cross section of NYC’s old art and pool scenes.

Rudi Stern worked in neon.

When he was’t creating installations for the likes of the Doors and Timothy Leary, he was making his living crafting neon signs for ordinary businesses.

I assume he had a few poolrooms as customers, and probably rubbed elbows with some of New York’s pool legends.

Thanks.View attachment 602412View attachment 602413

View attachment 602414View attachment 602415View attachment 602416View attachment 602434

Here are some pictures of a rare NYC bird for reference: A very-early, very-atypical Balabushka.

 

[Albo-Gator]

I always assumed this cue was an old 60’s era Rich cue. At the butt.6 white plastic Dots, above the white Hoppy ring with 3 more white Dots at the forearm. It’s old and solid. The flat blade screw holding the bumper is rusty. The brass joint is 5/16-18 thread and is one inch long. The mystery continues.

 

[PhilosopherKing]

I always assumed this cue was an old 60’s era Rich cue. At the butt.6 white plastic Dots, above the white Hoppy ring with 3 more white Dots at the forearm. It’s old and solid. The flat blade screw holding the bumper is rusty. The brass joint is 5/16-18 thread and is one inch long. The mystery continues.

The Balabushka is for sure, but I guess it’s a long shot that the other cues are not Rich.

The quality of my cue just seems a lot higher than any Rich I’ve ever held.

 

[Albo-Gator]

I always assumed this cue was an old 60’s era Rich cue. At the butt.6 white plastic Dots, above the white Hoppy ring with 3 more white Dots at the forearm. It’s old and solid. The flat blade screw holding the bumper is rusty. The brass joint is 5/16-18 thread and is one inch long. The mystery continues.

 

[Albo-Gator]

Here are more pictures

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Another thing about my cue is the bumper-screw had been messed with before me, and not recently, curious for a cue that seems to have seldom, if ever, been unscrewed.

I wonder if the bumper was added to help it sit better in a rack… I wish I could get it off.

 

[PDX]

I’m going with Rich, though there is the off chance that it is a Saul Rich.
I know Adam and Sampaio had turned handles like that.

 

[Albo-Gator]

Our bumpers, white Dots (same locations) Brass Joint and screw all look the same. I would say. Same cue manufacture. Problem is who? My best guess is still Rich Q. But then again I’m not that familiar with Sal’s cue’s.

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Maybe this will be a clue: Inside of joint collar is also turned.

 

[Albo-Gator]

Had to look real hard, Needs a good cleaning. Call it patina LOL…

 

[GoldCrown]

Do not think it’s a Rich. The wrap area, The joint rings, Shaft index do not look a Rich cue

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Bumper was lost in the name of discovery. The screw barely made it out alive.

 

[measureman]

Maybe this will be a clue: Inside of joint collar is also turned. View attachment 602458

Isn't that an old Viking super joint?

 

[Michael Webb]

Isn't that an old Viking super joint?

I don't think so.

 

[WildWing]

Doesn't look like a Paradise. He didn't put bumpers on cues, and the style isn't right for Paradise.

All the best,
WW

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Doesn't look like a Paradise. He didn't put bumpers on cues, and the style isn't right for Paradise.

All the best,
WW

It reminded me of a couple Paradise Sampaio conversions that are floating around out there.

 

[jayman]

Rich Q.

 

[PhilosopherKing]

Rich Q.

Thanks. Any more info?

 

[nick serdula]

Jayman is always on the nose.
Nick