Greg,
That was very nice of Joel to remember me! Palmer made a lot of cues with different options. Anybody could order whatever they wanted, and they mixed and matched parts all the time.
The cue you have is a classic 2nd Catalog Model "J" forearm and shafts.The butt sleeve is from the 2nd catalog too - the Model "I". Someone probably wanted this design and custom ordered it. These forearms were made first by Burton Spain. These were used until about 1972 or so, then by Gus Szamboti after that. Actually, Gus and Barry both made these blanks for Palmer well into the 1980's. Barry told me that he hated making these reverse splices as a kid because they were so difficult. His mom mitered the veneers too.
This is a classic reverse splice ebony. The colors are exactly reversed from the typical Spain/Szamboti splice. These forearms are nearly identical except for the location of the points. While the length varies according to how the cue is turned, the end of the Spain points are usually over 3 to 3 1/2 inches from the joint collar, while the Szamboti's are 2 1/2 to 3" from the joint collar. The butt on your cue is a little different than mine. Yours is the correct one (mine was assembled a little differently). Yours is the exact 2nd catalog model "I" butt.
I can actually date the cue better by looking at the shafts. The techniques they used vary by era.
Your cue was probably made in late 1960's to early 1970's. Eveything looks original to me except for the butt rubber piece. I am almost certain it is a Spain forearm.
(Greg wrote back and confirmed it measured 3 1/2 " from the joint and that the bumper was not original)
It looks like a very nice cue. This is one of the most sought after Palmers and certainly one of the best looking. They are hard to find and yours is a one of a kind too.
all the best,
Chris
Ps. please tell Joel I said "hello"!
