Finally got my hands on a 1997 Jerry Franklin Southwest and figured I’d share it with the AZ crowd. Was gifted this beauty from a good friend (Birk1 any surprise there?)
1997 Franklin-era Southwest
• 9-point
• Goncalo Alves forearm / points
• Maple nose/forearm
• 11-piece / 11-thread flat-face Southwest joint
• Original (my favorite) black with dk brown spec linen wrap
• Both original shafts, one with an IV ferrule one with a micarta ferrule
The Goncalo Alves on this one really caught my eye. There’s a lot of character in the wood, and the contrast with the maple is even better in person.
I’ve always liked the look of the Franklin-era SWs, but owning one is a little different. The simplicity of the construction and the way the wood, points, ringwork and proportions all come together is pretty hard to beat.
I’d be interested to hear what some of the longtime Southwest guys think about this particular era/spec. Also curious to see other ’97 Franklins, especially 9-pointers.
A few more pics below.
