Identify a Pool Cue W/ No Markings?

3/28/2018 12:11:38 AM

Identify a Pool Cue W/ No Markings?

So I bought a pool cue tonight from a guy at my local pool hall.

I don’t know much about pool cues (I’ve always used house cue sticks) but he offered to let me use it for the night and I liked it’s feel. After hearing his price and haggling I got what I thought to be a good value at $20. He also claimed it’s an antique stick. Don’t know if that will help track it down?

I got home and looked for any type of identifying markers but see nothing obvious. I was hoping someone more knowledgeable on here might have insight into a brand for this pool cue, or on the quality of the stick.

Any help is appreciated

justno1987

Identify a Pool Cue W/ No Markings?

Replies & Comments

billiardsforum on 3/28/2018 3:45:49 PM
Unfortunately I don't recognize it as being a specific brand or by a specific pool cue maker.

This style was made by many cue makers so it's near impossible to tie it to one specific brand.

It doesn't seem super old either, and I wouldn't call it "Antique" - though it doesn't surprise me the seller did. It seems like everyone selling a pool cue on eBay or anywhere calls it "vintage" or "antique" when they have no idea what it is.

Regardless, I would say that as long as it rolls straight and plays well, you got a good deal at $20.

I will keep my eyes peeled for something. I look at hundreds of cues each week, so something might turn up. If you figure it out first, please keep me in the loop as well.

justno1987 on 3/29/2018 12:00:17 AM
@billiardsforum thank you for the response and for cleaning up my post (assuming that was you). I do believe I got a good deal regardless of brand, but I still think it would be nice to know a little more about my cue, so if you stumble on anything down the line let me know

billiardsforum on 3/29/2018 8:21:47 AM
So I did find one other cue with this type of joint and the style of cue is similar somewhat. Might help lead your search.

This is a Murrey cue below. Take a look at the joint, joint collar, and butt sleeve. Lots of similarities. Still not 100% sure though. Unfortunately at the moment I can't find any catalogs with this model though. I will still keep my eye open for something.

billiardsforum on 3/29/2018 8:50:05 AM
OK nevermind. I have now FOUND your cue and I know what it is!

You have a Rich Cue by Abe Rich. Apparently the model is the Rich Cue "Starfire Jet" model but I don't have a catalog or brochure to prove it. It has an ebony forearm and is from 1968-1970.

One sold on eBay in Nov 2017 for $33 USD. (yes, that's thirty three dollars - but it needed a new shaft and the cue was pretty banged up).
ebay.com/itm/RICH-Starfire-Pool-Cue-1968-1970/302507014834

RICH Starfire Pool Cue 1968-1970

Winning bid: US $33.00 [13 bids]

This is a Rich " Starfire" model
- 1968-70 I believe
- Ebony forearm
- Handle very straight (looks perfect), shaft not so much, but new shaft could be reproduced using the original joint
- I believe original wrap
- Inlays flush on forearm, some sticking out on butt sleeve.
- Butt length including bumper 28 15/16"
- Butt weight 17 ounces, shaft 3.5 ounces
Here are a couple of examples for comparison with yours.

justno1987 on 3/29/2018 9:04:08 AM
@billiardsforum awesome! Amazing work tracking it down. I’d have never found that information on my own. And it’s pretty dang neat that it actually is an antique stick. Considering it’s in much better shape than that eBay sale, rolls straight, and shoots well, I think I found myself a bargain. Plus it’s pretty cool to be shooting with a cue that is older than myself haha

sergio8ball on 3/31/2018 12:50:49 PM
If you ever wanna sell this Rich cue, I'll give you $100 for it.

user1523518320 on 4/12/2018 7:32:01 AM
I think I have one of these Starfire Jet Rich cues as well:

user1648264185 on 3/25/2022 8:09:46 PM
It's a Vintage cue that I believe is a two-stick set.

RampageRachie on 2/2/2023 9:45:46 PM
Hello I'm also a proud owner of a no-markings, similar jointed cue but with a different design.

My question is; Could it have been made by the same company, "Rich Cues"?