This strip laminated hook was made in 1980 out of White Oak. This one is a very rare offset laminated hook. Al made these by gluing two blanks together and then planning the thickness down to the same thickness as the standard hook. The result is a much stiffer and stronger boomerang that can take more throwing abuse. Only a few offset laminated hooks were made and they usually had a number stamped in the lift arm weight beginning with the letter "O". It is signed, dated 1980 and the words " Offset laminated Hook " was added above the signature. The lift arm has two full lead weights. The dingle arm has one full lead weight and a half weight that only shows on the underside of the dingle arm. The elbow has a half weight. This hook was part of Al's personal collection. He left the tuning notes penciled on the underside. It is in very nice condition. I acquired it directly from Al in 1986. As a lefty, I am unable to throw this hook. Ray Laurent had a similar boomerang in his throw kit and Ray would achieve flights exceeding 100 metres on almost every throw, so I expect this one to have a similar performance and maybe more because it was part of Al's throw kit. This boomerang has been in my collection box since 1986. A choice and very rare collectible.

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.