Older Merry Widow Cue Identification – Pointed 5/16×14 Piloted Joint

[Cornerman]

I've had this older Merry Widow in my collection for quite a while, but I've never been able to identify the maker.

I realize it's not the typical flashy cue that usually gets posted, but I've always found the construction of older cues just as interesting as the decorative work. In particular, the pointed 5/16×14 piloted joint really caught my attention, and I'm hoping someone might recognize the maker or shop behind it.

The cue features:

• Pointed 5/16×14 piloted joint
• Aluminum joint collar
• Brass shaft insert
• Black phenolic collars
• White butt cap with double black rings
• Merry Widow construction

The reason I'm revisiting it now is that a friend recently showed me what appears to be a very similar cue. The primary visible difference is that his has a brass joint collar instead of aluminum, but the pin, shaft insert, butt cap, and overall construction look remarkably similar to me. I've included a couple of comparison photos of his cue as well.

I'm certainly not married to any particular maker, but my initial thought was that this might be an earlier Adam—or perhaps another maker using similar construction. I'd really be interested in hearing what those with more experience think, whether that's Adam or something completely different.

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Adam ~1974. I believe this vintage was mostly built in the Miki shop, but those years confuse me. Edit: strike that. My notes say most likely Saitama.

 

[11Cues]

Adam ~1974. I believe this vintage was mostly built in the Miki shop, but those years confuse me. Edit: strike that. My notes say most likely Saitama.

Thanks! I really appreciate the confirmation and the additional insight on the production location.

One quick question—would you read the same cue with a brass joint collar instead of aluminum as simply an available variation, or might that help narrow down the production period?

 

[Cornerman]

Thanks! I really appreciate the confirmation and the additional insight on the production location.

One quick question—would you read the same cue with a brass joint collar instead of aluminum as simply an available variation, or might that help narrow down the production period?

Same cue with brass collar? Custom option. I think brass collars were seen on a decent range of years from the 70’s to 80’s. Forward weight plus the unique look.

Chopdoc already showed the catalog photo of this cue.

 

[Mensabum]

Adam ~1974. I believe this vintage was mostly built in the Miki shop, but those years confuse me. Edit: strike that. My notes say most likely Saitama.

Animē fans??
One Punch.

 

[11Cues]

Okay, I thought we had identified both cues at once, but I’m now seeing the other one up close and realizing it’s not quite the same. It appears to be very similar construction, but there are some specific differences:

Known Adam A/H-20
Weight: 16.8 oz
Length: 57.5”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Aluminum
Joint diameter: .840”
Pilot diameter: .520”
Butt diameter: 1.250”

Unknown cue
Weight: 17.5 oz
Length: 57”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Brass
Joint diameter: .870”
Pilot diameter: .540”
Butt diameter: 1.340”

Interestingly, I also found a very similar 57” cue in an older thread that was never specifically identified:

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/cue-id-and-value-help-needed.280315/post-3661570

Any thoughts on this one? Maybe an earlier Adam?

 

[garczar]

Okay, I thought we had identified both cues at once, but I’m now seeing the other one up close and realizing it’s not quite the same. It appears to be very similar construction, but there are some specific differences:

Known Adam A/H-20
Weight: 16.8 oz
Length: 57.5”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Aluminum
Joint diameter: .840”
Pilot diameter: .520”
Butt diameter: 1.250”

Unknown cue
Weight: 17.5 oz
Length: 57”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Brass
Joint diameter: .870”
Pilot diameter: .540”
Butt diameter: 1.340”

Interestingly, I also found a very similar 57” cue in an older thread that was never specifically identified:

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/cue-id-and-value-help-needed.280315/post-3661570

Any thoughts on this one? Maybe an earlier Adam?

more cheap imports.

 

[Chopdoc]

Okay, I thought we had identified both cues at once, but I’m now seeing the other one up close and realizing it’s not quite the same. It appears to be very similar construction, but there are some specific differences:

Known Adam A/H-20
Weight: 16.8 oz
Length: 57.5”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Aluminum
Joint diameter: .840”
Pilot diameter: .520”
Butt diameter: 1.250”

Unknown cue
Weight: 17.5 oz
Length: 57”
Joint: 5/16x18
Collar: Brass
Joint diameter: .870”
Pilot diameter: .540”
Butt diameter: 1.340”

Interestingly, I also found a very similar 57” cue in an older thread that was never specifically identified:

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/cue-id-and-value-help-needed.280315/post-3661570

Any thoughts on this one? Maybe an earlier Adam?

The other cue may look similar to you but it is very different.

Immediate possibilities are makers like National, Gandy, Rich, Mali, and others...including imports.

That butt cap looks very much like Delrin (or generic acetal plastic).

The way that butt cap ends, with no wood exposed, just a screw hole, smacks of Asian import, although the butt cap material is off for that.

The bumper and screw head resemble the old Mali River cues, before the Green label cues. But the pilot profile is wrong. But...maybe?

Cues like this were so numerous from so many different makers and brands, they can be more challenging to identify. Of course, that takes a lot of time and effort so it isn't likely worth it unless you are just personally passionate about it.

The one you linked to looks like a Rich Q, but you notice in a following post I said likely Master. The issue with that is Mater cues are usually stamped with the brand in the wood. Although you say it is similar to what we see in these current posts, I don't see it as similar. The devil is in the details.

 

[11Cues]

Thanks, Chop, that’s exactly the kind of detail I was looking for. I agree, the devil is definitely in the details. I’m going to keep digging and see if I can find another example that gets me any closer.