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View Full Version : Pre 1950's european Hood Block....

GriffMJ
01-12-2006, 09:42 PM
Hi All

I was given this hood block on loan the other day to make a hood from. The block was originally carved and shaped from wood, the block shown below is a vacuum moulded copy. The size of hood that has been produced from the block is Saker size. The hood is very well shaped and surprisingly symmetrical considering its age. The pattern for this block was designed and made by M-J Hoods.

The modern equivalent size would be a Rollins 10L or thereabouts. (The Syrian hood in the background, on its side, used to belong to Jack Mavro'. It was made for a Saker Falcon in August 1966)

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Clients/MollenBlock/MB5.JPGhttp://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Clients/MollenBlock/MB6.JPG

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Clients/MollenBlock/MB1.JPGhttp://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Clients/MollenBlock/MB2.JPG
Tim Laycock
02-12-2006, 12:38 AM
Totaly symetrical, unusual for a carved block.

Has a nice line at the back, no point 8-)
GriffMJ
02-12-2006, 09:34 AM
Hi BB

The hood is open on the stand..... when its closed its has a point... the old Mollen hoods do the same as well. The overall shape of the hood closed is great ..... will have pics of on a falcon shortly :D

Dont be put off by a "Pointy Back"..... when the hood fully extends it will shape for a perfect slip on quality.... especially the Stoddart blocked hood..... having used it today.... the ease of the shape at the fully extended back will make it just sit there as if it were closed........ and when closed will form a point like most..... but one of the easiest Dutch hoods I have used so far for hooding :)

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Clients/MavSyrian/SH4.JPG
StormRider
02-12-2006, 10:11 AM
Griff where do you source all these block sets from? You seem to have a knack for finding this gear.

STU
GriffMJ
02-12-2006, 11:42 AM
Griff where do you source all these block sets from? You seem to have a knack for finding this gear.

STU

Hi STU

It comes through many contacts and people just sending stuff and emailing pictures to me also. Most of the stuff is on loan for me to study and in the case of the blocks.... they have been sitting on a shelf for years with no pattern etc.... and people are curios about the type of hood that would come off the block.... great fun for me and good experience..... some times the "provenance" of the item is more interesting that the item itself :lol: In the case of the block above..... for and old "hand carved" block ....it still stands as a great hood block today alongside the modern versions.

There is a HUGE history out there that seems to be tucked away in draws and cupboards..... its a shame really ...... we Brits should do what the Americans have done and have an "Archive of Falconry" here in the UK..... then maybe all this stuff could be put on show for all to see and study.