Joss West Cues

Joss West (JW-4GK) - c.1978-80 4 pt. ebony, Bird's-eye, Ivory inlays, 1 of 1, All-original condition

Bill Stroud made this cue for `Fez' Kasem between 1978 and 1980, during the time the Joss West shop was located in Colorado Springs and Bill built his forearms without a CNC. `Fez' was a road player and backer for some of the great players of the 60s and 70s, including Cowboy Jimmy Moore.

Bill says, “I remember Fez very well. He could play pretty good one-pocket.” Any of you who know Bill Stroud know that's a fairly high compliment.

The Implex used for the joint and butt cap is no longer available. The Westinghouse Micarta used for the ferrules is also no longer made. Although it yellowed as it aged, it was the material of choice for many cuemakers of that era because of its terrific playability.

The nicely figured bird's-eye maple forearm has 4 razor-sharp, short-spliced ebony points with 4 veneers (black, double red, white). Each point is inlaid with a large ivory diamond. The butt sleeve features 4 bird's-eye windows inlaid with ebony ovals inset with large ivory slotted diamonds. Wide black bands trimmed with thin red and black rings appear above and below the windows. The flat-faced ivory-colored Implex joint has a stainless steel 3/8-10 pin. Maple block ring-work decorates the black phenolic joint and shaft collars (D &E). The white with black speck Irish linen wrap shows some chalk stain. The cue is finished with a long ivory-colored Implex butt cap, which is engraved with the early “JW” logo with a horizontal “W”. The black rubber bumper is attached with a hex screw.

Two full original 3.5 oz. shafts, each 28.6 inches long, with 1-inch Westinghouse Micarta ferrules and LePro tips:

Shaft #1 is 13.75mm, straight, light chalk stain;

Shaft #2 is 13.35mm, moderate play and some chalk stain, very slight roll.

Butt weight: 15.25 oz.; length 28.5 inches.

Weight: 18.75 oz. Length: 57.1 inches.

The cue is in very good all-original condition, including wrap and ferrules. Overall the finish is good, although there are a few small dings in the forearm. The shafts are well cared for, with no dents or dings. I would rate the condition at 85%.

PRICE: $1,950. BUY / Contact Us

For more information on Bill Stroud and Josswest cues, please see the feature in the January, 2005 Billiards Digest “Wand Workshop”.