first jointed cue

[desi2960]

I am watching a movie set in the 1870's. They are shooting with a cue that looks jointed. It has a ring in the middle. Got me to thinking, when were jointed cues first made?

 

[HollyWood]

here's the answer from (The European Story)

2 piece cues were already in use by the 1700's for billiards . Elaborate canes and walking sticks were very fashionable and the craftsmen who made them also made -- Portable cues. The billiards Ency- mark