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?