How to identify lesser-expensive McDermott cues from its more-expensive cues?

[Mensabum]

Back when I was a noob I decided I liked pool enough to get my own cue. A guy on my team said he had cues I could buy from. One was a McDermott and I knew just enough to recognize the name as a good production cue.

I bought it hit a couple balls before having to go home. Once home I excitedly looked for info on my new cue. Pow! I just paid $250 for a $70 cue.

Pissed I called him and he tried to insist it was a US made version blah blah spin spin. Finally agreed to me returning it and still tried to further scam me by saying only $150 back because I chalked it.

My own teammate… lesson learned. (Now ex teammate)

There's always one.

 

[briankenobi]

Not all USA made McDermott cues with the M clover on the butt cap will also have USA or Made In USA printed.

I am no authority on this, but I think this should be a pretty reliable guide:

USA made (visible on butt cap or butt sleeve):
- M clover logo
- M clover logo with "USA" below it
- M clover logo with "Made" above and "In USA" below it

Import (visible near joint):
- M clover logo
- M clover logo with "Lucky" below it
- M clover logo with 'Star" below it

Others please chime in and maybe we can update this list?

You are correct. After seeing my quote, I forgot that the older McDermott's didn't have the USA portion. That was added after. But you are correct in your statement.

 

[Chopdoc]

Not all USA made McDermott cues with the M clover on the butt cap will also have USA or Made In USA printed.

I am no authority on this, but I think this should be a pretty reliable guide:

USA made (visible on butt cap or butt sleeve):
- M clover logo
- M clover logo with "USA" below it
- M clover logo with "Made" above and "In USA" below it

Import (visible near joint):
- M clover logo
- M clover logo with "Lucky" below it
- M clover logo with 'Star" below it

Others please chime in and maybe we can update this list?

Shamrock branded McDermott cues from the early 2000s were Asian Imports.

They have a shamrock logo on the butt cap, and say Shamrock above it.

They had a 5/16x14 pin and thin silver joint ring.