1963-65 Howatt Diablo

[AALLFAB]

Brazilian Rosewood 4 sure it would be pretty hard to find a better bow from any maker in that year. Congrats. Jim

[oldbohntr]

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

[vintage-bears]

Wow, they made some gorgeous bows!

[smoke1953]

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.
 

 

Pretty much cleaned up.

[OldSkoolArcher]

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!!

[cacciatore]

Yes I second Nick,it has a beautiful patina.

[Hud]

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.