C-18 the first clover inlay

OnCue: C-18, the First Clover Inlays

For 1980, McDermott replaced the 4-year-old B-Series of cues with the C-Series. The new series offered more cues — 21 vs the B-Series’ 16 — new materials, and inlays of complex shapes. While a number of cues in the series introduced inlays that would reappear in future series, the C-18 introduced a new inlay that most McDermott fans would have a special affection for.

Inside each of the C-18’s cloud-shaped windows of bone urethane is a green clover. This clover inlay would reappear in 1994 for the limited edition Founder’s Cue, and would continue to show up periodically in M and G-Series cues, despite the development of a more advanced clover with a stem. In fact, the currently produced G413 uses the same clovers, albeit in black rather than green.

C-18 forearm

The sleeve of the C-18 was ebony with green fiber rings, and small Mother of Pearl dots that could be found just above and below the windows. These dots were also laid inside the points, above and below larger oval Mother of Pearl inlays. The points featured green fiber veneers to complement the sleeve and joint rings.

Placed firmly in the higher end of the C-Series, the C-18 would have cost a buyer $340, but it would have been money well spent. The C-18 is not only a good example of the differences between the C and B-Series, but is a great example of the quality that made McDermott famous.

9 thoughts on “OnCue: C-18, the First Clover Inlays

  1. To purchase a c-18 cue what would be the price now? Is there a remake on this cue. I been playing with McDermott for the last 30 years and I cant get away from it looking to purchase a new one

    1. David, to protect the customers who purchased our older series we don’t remake them. However, you can have us do a cue with some similar elements. Give us a call to discuss: 262-251-4090.

    1. Philip, to protect the customers who purchased our older series we don’t remake them. However, you can have us do a cue with some similar elements. Give us a call to discuss: 262-251-4090.

  2. I bought a C-18 when I was stationed in Germany. Bought it from a licensed dealer John L.W. Smith. I ran my first 100+ with that cue. I ordered it with two shafts that were 1″ longer. Best cue I ever owned. Sold it to Flaco (NYC) who sold it to someone who had the shafts cut down.

  3. I need to know if you guys still honor your lifetime warranty on a D-17? Because mine is busted and I don’t trust just anyone to “try” to fix it.

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