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Q & A and Talk Column

Hello Chris,

I ran across your site with a Google search, it's outstanding.  I wonder if you can tell me some things about my Palmer cue.  My cue matches the one in your Catalog 1, Model 1 page.  It has yellow and black linen, thinner brass joint wall, plain brown points with no inlays, darker ivory colored butt joint (about 7/8" with no cap), also it has two shafts and the window says Original by Palmer (I assume your's does too).

One thing I don't understand is that my dad bought the cue in 1973 and I always assumed it was brand new at the time.  Is there a possibility it could be a different model that was identical to the #1 in your pictures?  Can you tell me anything about the collectibility of this model (if it is a #1) relative to other Palmers?

One last question I have is about the weight.  I do have trouble getting comfortable with a 21oz cue.  I was wondering if the weight bolt can be interchanged with a lighter one (are they even available), by the technicians you recommend and without any worries about maintaining the integrity and condition of the cue.

By the way, I can see you spent a lot of time on your website.  As far as I could tell the site is the best online resource for Palmer owners, bar-none.  The only thing that could be better would be an in-person viewing of your collection. 

Thank you,

Darin

June 7, 2006  Darin writes...

Darin,

Thank you for the nice note and the photos. I sent Peter Balner the pictures of your cue. We really get a kick out of seeing these old, original Palmers.

What you have there is a pristine Model 8 (eight) from the first catalog. The Model 8 was the forerunner of the 2nd catalog Model B Palmer, the most popular window cue of the era. The Model 8 is a lot more difficult to find than a Model B. I own half a dozen model B's but no model 8's, if that tells you anything.

Your cue was likely made from an original Brunswick house cue. The wrap is the original Dacron two tone and the joint is an early joint. I would have guessed your cue was made in the 1968 time period.  It may have been made at a later date, but the parts are from the 1960's.

I would advise you to hold onto the cue.  The prices on these old original Palmers are definitely climbing. The best thing would be to leave the cue as is, but the weight bolt may easily be replaced with an aluminum bolt, and it will probably shave off an extra ounce. It will be obvious that the bolt is not original. Any decent cue maker can replace it, but please ask them to be careful not to mark the original bolt slot if possible, and of course, to save the original bolt.

Thanks for the nice words about the site and taking the time to send me the pictures.

Sincerely,

Chris

The Palmer Collector

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