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.

From the serial number I would say 63.

Beautiful bow! I love the wood in the old Howatts! That one looks like new. Congrats on a great gift from a friend.

Thanks Jack. I know they used either Bubinga or Rosewood, would you know which?

WOW that is a nice bow!!!

WOW.

Would love to find one like that!

That's just a beautiful bow....you are a lucky guy! Enjoy!!!

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.

That one is not babinga. But it is a SWEET looking bow. Nice one Bruce. Enjoy that bad boy.

Chuck

Thanks guys. I'm a longbow guy but will definitely enjoy this little beauty.

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.

Man, That is a Gorgeous Bow!...What a Great Gift

Beautiful...a keeper for sure.

smoke1953,

The one I had was a 64. They sure are nice lookers!

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?

1963 and in mint conditions,congrats!

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.

NICE!

At one point I came up with information that the 54" was only made from 63-66.

Looks good Bruce - can't wait to see it in person!  Are you home or at the cabin?

That's a stunner! Beauty.