Click here to add text.
#1   -   Above, 3 photos: The top two photos are of a  Palmer 5 from the first catalog made with a full splice forearm. Palmer built these in-house 1965 - 1966. Under the wrap on the early cues is a "V" splice connection to the maple handle. The bottom photo is a Palmer Model 5 from the same era with a Burton Spain forearm. The Spain points are longer, sharper, and the veneer colors are a little more subtle.
fPalmer Forearm Identification
#2   -   Above,
Model I 2nd catalog - this is a Palmer made forearm, very difficult to distinguish from the Szamboti forearms. Note boxed veneers at the wrap - the only cue I've noticed with this feature in my collection. These small pieces of veneer were used to cover tear out or chips. This cue was about 1968 - 1969 and probably sold with a discount because of the "defect".
#3   -   Above,
Model I8 3rd catalog - early to mid 1970's - super even, tight points, colors are the same as the Model "I" above. This blank was recognized by Peter as Gus' work. Because he built it to Palmer specs they are indistinguishable from the earlier Palmer forearms. Knowing the date of the cue helps. Points end closer to the joint than Palmer built forearms.
#4   -   Above,
Model I4 3rd catalog, late 1970's,  super even points, full splice. Colors are ebony, orange, green, natural. Points look like Brazilian rosewood but it's macassar ebony. This cue has a typical 3rd catalog joint. This is often thought to be a Burton Spain but they were built on ADAM Japan forearms or by KPS to Palmer specs. Very high quality work on this cue.

#5   -   Above,
Model J forearms. Top one is Dick Leonard's from the early 1970's and Peter told him it was built on a Gus blank at the time. Palmer built most themselves. These blanks are almost indistinguishable. Year of purchase again helps. Szamboti forearms usually have longer points by about 1/2" as shown in the example above. Look for nice tight veneers on Szamboti cues.


#6  -   Above,
The top cue was from the mid 1970's with Adam Japan or KPS full splices built to palmer specs. The second from the top was from the early 1980's, an Adam forearm which had longer points at the time. It is very difficult to distinguish between a Spain blank and this era of Adam blank.

The 3rd from the top is a Burton Spain forearm from the 1960's on a first catalog Model 5.

The bottom blank is a John Davis modern day full splice made similar to Burton Spain/John Davis forearms made in about 1970.

This comparison shows the difference in symmetry between the Spain/Davis points and the more stubby Adam/KPS forearms of the mid 1970's.