This large offset laminated hook was made in 1983 out of Chestnut. It is signed and dated. The serial number O45 is stamped on one of two the lift arm weights. There are 2 full lead weights in each blade tip and no weight in the elbow. This one was part of Al's personal throw kit. It is in very nice condition and it is an excellent flyer. I am certain that Al was the only person to throw this hook. I am unable to throw it because I am a lefty and these large long range hooks are too difficult for me to throw. Al was reluctant to part with this one and I had to pay a premium price to purchase it. The only reason that Al sold it to me was because it had a mismatch of woods in the lower half of the two laminations. Al said that he tried to make this hook out of Chestnut using strips he had already cut. After the boomerang was finished, Al added a coat of Tung oil and all of the strips darkened as expected except for the center strip which was Ash, not Chestnut. I think this error improves the hook and it accentuates the fast that the two surfaces were made with different blanks, but this was not to Al's preference, so it became part of my collection in 1986 and it has remained in storage until I removed it for listing on 2023. My best and last remaining large Gerhards hook.

I visited with Al Gerhards in early 2006 and asked him about the integrity of his boomerangs after 25-30 years. Al assured me that he used strong epoxy glues and that he still throws boomerangs that he made 30+ years ago without any problems. Al recommends that the owners of his boomerangs rub the surface with Tung oil or Gun oil prior to throwing if it has been in storage. The boomerang should be oiled at least once every 3 months if it is thrown regularly. However, I discourage the throwing of old collectable boomerangs unless it is thrown under very carefully controlled conditions. I would prefer that the owner make a copy of this boomerang for his own use and save the original as a fine collectable.