This cue is from a series of cues made by Joe, like you said about 10 or 12 years ago, that used various forms of stone. The thin white outline of each inset stone is real ivory, and the ring work are ivory diamonds and silver dots. This is the same ring work and joint as Joe was using for his Tuxedo cues at the time.
Although your picture doesn't show it, your cue should have an ivory joint and a 3/8X10 joint screw with the same ring work. The buttcap is plastic.
OK, this is completely by memory...which could be a little off.
I believe he made a total of 6 cues. I had seen or sold 5 of them - your father's was the missing cue. One was owned by me, one was owned by a player in Southern California named John, one was owned by a player here named Aaron. I know one was blue lapis lazuli, one was green malachite, there was a multi-colored Chrysocolla, then there was one that was made out of what I think he called Iron stone. I think Aaron traded his off. I don't know what John did with his.
The actual retail price was about $2500 to $3,000 per cue. The "street price" was $2,000 or less. I sold one new one to somebody in Switzerland for about $2000 and the Chrysocola one for new for about $1800.
I really don't know what the name of the stone is on your dad's cue, but Tiger or Leopard sure looks about right. Joe would never tell me how he made these cues. Seems it would be impossible to sand the stone after it was inlayed. If I recall, he said the stone was the real deal and not reconstituted. Plus cutting the inlay pocket perfectly with the ivory border would be really difficult. Your dad's is the only wrapless version I've seen. The rest had leather or linen. I always thought these cues were cool. Very rare to see real stone inlayed like this.
Joe's number at his new shop is (818) 436-2770. He might have a set of shafts for you too. He always kept extras of this style.
Chris
