When were hilbre heads first manufactured and by whom? I just started collecting broadheads and have run across several variations of Hilbre.
Hilbres were first produced in 1954, when the "barbed" Hilbre came out. Then in 1957 the ferrule was changed to give the "semibarbed" Hilbre, which also got a bleeder in 1959.
The "barbless" or "Super Hilbre" with sloped shoulder ferrule was made since 1966. There is also a BIG version of the Super Hilbre.
They were made in Chatham, New Jersey. Stockfleth was holding the Patent for making the Hilbres: 2816766
I always liked the Hilbres for eye appeal, especially the barbed Hilbre, who is one of my favorites.
(http://www.broadheads.de/Bilder/Foren/TradGang/HilbreSet_400.jpg)
from left to right: 1954 barbed, 1957 semibarbed-2, 1959 semibarbed-4, 1966 barbless, 1966 barbless, big
Thanks Falk. Have you ever heard of a 3 blade Hilbre ?
Where is the best place to learn about Hilbre ?
Bob,
there is no three blade Hilbre.
Do you have a 3-bld with plastic ferrule? Has it three backwards "protrusions" on it's trailing edge? That would be an Arrowmate 3-bld, which is quite common. Made since 1963 in Milwaukee. ... and if the blades are of stainless steel, then you are a rich man!
If you are serious with your collecting my best advise would be to get yourself the "Identification Guide" books from Wade Phillips. Search for "archerycollectibles" on the **** auction site. But be warned: You can easily build a house for the money you'll spend for bhds soon. Better quit now!
Falk whats length are the barbless big. I have 18 which measure 3". New condition. Sharp as any blade I own.
Question is how strong is the plastic ferrule?
Kingstaken,
the big one on the far right is 3 1/2" long - your's are the normal sized version, second from right.
Sharp?
They have a true needle point, and will poke out an eye easily, yes, but I never had one that appeared sharp, at least not out of the package. But sharpening these narrow blades with bleeders in place is - ah difficult ...
Some ferrules might be brittle and hardened with time. I would never use them on something else then small game or birds.
So the ones that I have were made around 1966?
I got them from an auction site with a return address in New Jersey. I assume thats where they were made.
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q93/Kingtaken/Hilbre1.jpg)
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q93/Kingtaken/Hilbre2.jpg)
Yes, made in Chatham, New Jersey. Sold by and know as Colt "Super Hilbre". Made since 1966, but I don't know until when.
You also need to join the American Broadhead Collectors Club. Lots more info available from them. Wade does not have the only broadhead books.