Trad Gang
Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: smoke1953 on September 27, 2011, 05:19:00 PM
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An 88 yr old friend of mine gave me his 54" Howatt Diablo in unbelievable condition. He thought he purchased it in the 50's but wasn't sure and I've read that the 54" was only made between 63 and 65. The sideplate and rest are original according to him and show virtually no wear. He had tape wrapped to attach a homeade string tracker and I got most of that residue off. I'm posting pictures for anybody to tell me anything else or correct anything based on pictures I'm posting. A truely special gift.
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_355.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_354.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_353.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_352.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_351.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_350.jpg)
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From the serial number I would say 63.
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Beautiful bow! I love the wood in the old Howatts! That one looks like new. Congrats on a great gift from a friend.
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Thanks Jack. I know they used either Bubinga or Rosewood, would you know which?
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WOW that is a nice bow!!!
WOW.
Would love to find one like that!
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That's just a beautiful bow....you are a lucky guy! Enjoy!!!
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smoke1953,
As far as I know Bubinga is African Rosewood. Brazilian rosewood is yet another species. When in doubt I just call it Rosewood. Either way it's a beauty! I have pictures of a Diablo I owned about the same vintage if I can retrieve them from photo bucket I'll post a couple pictures of it.
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That one is not babinga. But it is a SWEET looking bow. Nice one Bruce. Enjoy that bad boy.
Chuck
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Thanks guys. I'm a longbow guy but will definitely enjoy this little beauty.
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Ted Fry is researching the Howatt's and may be able to help, send him a picture. He may be out hunting.
The handle looks like Brazilian Rosewood, I have had several bows with it, they are really pretty.
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Man, That is a Gorgeous Bow!...What a Great Gift
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Beautiful...a keeper for sure.
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smoke1953,
The one I had was a 64. They sure are nice lookers!
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/img_5025.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/img_5026.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/img_5028.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/img_5027.jpg)
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That is a looker Jim. Barry I had herd that Ted Fry could be the guy. you know they made this short bow for only 3 yrs. I've wondered whether they had problems with breakage at all. The static limbs make it look so much shorter and I would guess would add more stress while creating more speed. Just wondering id anyone had heard of problems. Just got that nervousness about stringing it up. The original string came with but I doubt that I'll try that. Were the strings polyesther at that point?
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1963 and in mint conditions,congrats!
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Just got a response from Ted Fry and he confirmed that it was a 63, Brazilian Rosewood, and the 99th one made in that length and model.
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NICE!
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At one point I came up with information that the 54" was only made from 63-66.
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Looks good Bruce - can't wait to see it in person! Are you home or at the cabin?
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That's a stunner! Beauty.
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Brazilian Rosewood 4 sure it would be pretty hard to find a better bow from any maker in that year. Congrats. Jim
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Smoke, that just might be the prettiest bow I've ever seen! And I've been looking at them for 40 years! If I were going to shoot it, I'd want it to be longer, but it's sure a beauty of a bow and a great story for you because of your relationship with the old gent who gave it to you. Good on ya!
Tom
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Wow, they made some gorgeous bows!
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Stopped over to Whip's shop for a beer and trad talk and he gave the bow a few spins on his polishing wheel. I had contemplated having him put a satin finish on it but after our discussion it was decided to leave it alone. The actual yellowing of the glass gives it a great look in this case whereas with sanding it would again turn white. The other consequence of sanding the rosewood is darkening the wood that had lightened with age. The darkened rosewood would also lose the vivid grain that comes out on this bow. The satin finish that Joe had done on his Super Diablo is beautiful but this bow has it's own character. Thanks Joe for the advice, the quick cleanup and the beer.
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_408_01.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/Chiippewa_412_01.jpg)
Pretty much cleaned up.
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Beautiful!!!
PLEASE don't dull the finish!
If you want a bow to make satin and use for hunting I will GLADLY trade you one!!
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Yes I second Nick,it has a beautiful patina.
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Bruce, yours is Brazilian Rosewood. I was waiting to see if Ted Fry or anyone else had any experiences along those lines, but I never heard of any problems, other than getting good wood, today. I believe, the mfgr would change the wood, laminations or something to keep interest high. I believe your correct, they used Rosewood in the mid 1960's.
Today, importing some woods is taboo including the Brazilian Rosewood. However, Rosewood from Honduras is being used.
I have an unshot, Hunter in 60# with Bubinga, and they are different.
Their limb design was very consistent thru several models and over the years. It is a fast, stable design, and terrific looking bow and I would not hesitate to shoot one in good condition. I have been looking for one, myself.
After stringing, make sure the string is in the center of the limbs and there is no twist, or other visible problems. When strung lean the recurve against a wall and stand back 5 ft. and visually check the limbs and string alignment. Then hold one nock, with the other on the floor and sight down the strings, to see if the recurve is in alignment, and then hold it at the handle and sight down the back of one limb looking at the tip, then the other. If you not sure, get a recurve expert to look it over.
According to Brownell's website, B-50 string material, which is still available was first produced in 1944.
Your's is a beauty and if you have any concerns, call Joe (Whip), Rich Lopez, or Bowdoc.