MIKE BENDER SMITHSONIAN EDITION #1 OF 3 CUSTOM CUE

Description

Greetings!!!!!!
This listing is the Authentic, All original, Genuine, Brand New (never used) Michael J. Bender-Alaska Smithsonian Edition #1 of 3 Custom Professional Billiard Pool Cue. Please note that: #2 of 3 is in the Smithsonian Permanent Billiard Cue Collection. The #3 of 3 was sold to a wealthy cue collector (this gentleman holds about 1 million dollar worth of cues) in Taiwan. This cue is one of the rarest and most collectable billiard cue in the world today. This is because # 2 of 3 is in the Permanent Cue Collection at the Smithsonian which we all agree is never going to come to the market. The #3 of 3 is owned by a wealthy individual in Taiwan who no one knows his whereabout and what's happen to the cue. There is a high percent chance that cue #3 of 3 will not see the market place since no one has heard from this individual in many years including Mike Bender and the Lady who original bought and sold to the cue to the him.  It is beiieved, it may be pass on as inheritance or a gift to a Museum. Therefore the only one of the 3 that has the promise of coming to the market place is #1 of 3 and its here finally. I didn't intend to buy and sell right away but current conditions has compelled me to sell to support other projects I'm pursuing.
Please Note: This Cue is the original commissioned cue for the Smithsonian and due to time constrain, cue #2 of 3 went to the Smithsonian Collection instead of #1.  The cue #1 of 3 is the finest of the three. It is highly figurated and deep in color than the two
. The Butt is smaller  and the rings are steering silver. It is the most playerable of the three as it was designed to be playerable at the same time as a collector's piece. This cue is sought after by the artistics, professionals and the collectors community because of the Smithsonian attachment to its value. There will never, ever be a cue like this ever made with the Smithsonian edition engravement, as the Smithsonian never permitted the use of its name in the production or manufacturing of any collection piece. This is a one time, very, very rare opportunity for someone to own this piece of history. You will never see one like this again!!
This Cue #1 of 3 is the best of the three and it was the last one to be made. It is designed as a Playing and Collectors cue. The Cue weights 19 oz and 58 inches. The other two (#2 of 3 and #3 of 3) are too heavy to used as a playing cue. Both weights 21.5 oz.
Mike J. Bender from Delta Junction, Alaska is one of the most renowed living cuemakers in the world today. His cues are classic creations and are highly sought after by professional pool players, artistic seekers and collectors. Mike has 3-4 years waiting list with an additional 2-3 years completion time frame. Mike Bender's output is very limited and averages only 35-40 cues annually. Mike and Tracy are known for very high quality craftsmanship and materials, and they are  meticulously attentive to details.
HISTORY OF MICHAEL J. BENDER SMITHSIONIAN CUSTOM CRAFTED BILLIARD POOL CUE:
In February 1997, the Curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Mr. David Shayt (deceased) commissioned 12 renowned cuemakers to submit cues for a antique cue rack that the Museum received. At the same time the Museum was preparing to open its first exhibition Billiard Collections. Mike Bender was among the 12 selected. He and Tracy (Mike's wife) Bender Cues, built a set of three identical designed cue. The commision cue for the Smithsonian which is this one (#1 of 3) and two others. Because of time constrain, the #2 of 3 went in to the Smithsonian and the #s 1 of 3 and #3 of 3 where sold respectively.  At that time Mr. Jonathan Denning owned #2 of 3 and because of production and time constrain, Mike Bender exchanged #2 of 3 for  #1 of 3 with Mr. Jonathan Denning and sent it to the Smithsonian Permanent Collection. Mr. Denning is a professional pool player, Member of the PCSA, CPBA and was the owner of the one of the Top-Ten Billiard Pool Halls in the United States, Braking Point Billiard Room in Lynnwood, Washington State. The #3 of 3 was sold to a wealthy collector in Taiwan who nobody has heard from since the 1980s.
When the Smithsonian found out that three identical cues were made with the Smithsonian name attached, of which one was at the permanent collection, they filed a suit  against Bender Cue for making three identical cue with the Smithsonian name for profit. The Smithsonian demanded that if Bender Cue was to confiscate and destroy the two other cues, they are ready to withdraw the litigation. Mike Bender, representing Bender Cue countered that the Smithsonian should return the Cue sent to the Institute (that is #2 of 3) and if the return is received, Bender Cues will dispose off all three. The Smithsonian refused and at a mediation, they final granted Bender Cue the permission to keep the two other cues (#1 of 3 and #3 of 3) and never a cue of this nature and name ever to be used. This is the reason why this Cue is the most sought after in the world today.
DESIGN SPECIFICATION AND MATERIALS:
Please contact me for materials and design information including Certificate of authentication Letter from Mike Bender.
The Cue comes with two (2) original never used matching Shafts and a Black Case.
This Cue was crafted for the serious professional player, art seeker or collector who is looking for a distinction as to distinguish from other collection.
I have posted a letter from Mike Bender of Bender Cues to show prove of ownership.
The asking price is what the Cue appraisers told me the cue should be worth in today's market. These appraisers have expert knowledge of Mike J. Bender's work and the Smithsonian Cue.
Please read my feedback and buy this historic piece as it will appreciate in value in the next 5 to 10 years.
The history around this cue is amazing. That is the reason why I purchased this cue to keep and now, I must sell. As mentioned, you will never find this cue made or sold after this one is gone. This is a fine opportunity for a collector, a professional player or a weathy individual to hold money as a store of value, because the price will keep going up. This is a Rare Cue, "no ifs" and "but" about it.
Thank you for reading and visiting this listing.
Good Luck Bidding.