This "smudge mark" on my new cue is driving me crazy!!! What is it, and can I DIY fix this?

[QShark]

I'm not sure how this came about, but there's a "smudge mark", for lack of a better term on my new cue. It's not a chip or scratch, and you can't actually feel anything when you rub it

What is this called and is there a way I can do a safe DIY to make it "go away"?

Please see pics.

I'm going crazy over this thing!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Kim Bye]

Can be hard to see in pictures, but looks kinda like the finish has lifted from the wood in just that area. Would have to see the cue irl to say for certain though. If it's just a dull spot it's easy to fix. Try taking pictures outside in daylight, but not direct sunlight, always gives the clearest pictures.

 

[lord_shar]

If the mark is under the finish, then there is a good chance that the cue will have to be refinished to correct the issue. When I first got my custom cue, it was fine for the first few weeks, but then small bubbles started appearing under the forearm ring work. I returned it to Mr. Gilbert, and he redid the finish + wrap after researching the issue. 18 years later, it still looks good!

As mentioned above, photos will help, but if the original cue maker is unable to work on it with a quick turnaround, then Scott Sherbine at Proficient Billiards will be the next best option.