I was just reading this post (all 7 pages) whew... and thought I might be able to shed some light on this cue. It is a beauty and I think it was made for a German buyer a few years back
http://www.proficientbilliards.com/cues/Hercek/joelhercekscrimshaw.htm . We had the chance to buy this cue 2 years ago for $1800 + our finish work, but backed out on the deal regretfully because only one shaft was there at the time of the sale. I honestly thought that the cue would sell in the $2500 range, but that was a couple of years ago. Maybe this discussion was settled a long time before I posted, but selling the cue and getting your price would certainly end all doubts.
I hate to post, especially in a topic of complaints... but this cue is one of my favorite Herceks and one of the only ones that I can remember with the scrimshaw collars. Also I had some never before seen pictures of it that might interest some. I kinda wish the cue was laying here on the desk like it was before... it would be the quickest 18 cnotes I could give away.
