I took a punt on this from eBay, mainly as it only cost me 12 quid including shipping, but also because underneath all the tape and grime the grains looked like the might be fairly tasty. The guy who sold it reckoned it was about 8-9 years old, which makes sense as i think BF started working for Hawk around 2004.
At first I considered just removing the tape and keeping it in it's current condition, as it's a lovely shape and I do like the classic double B stickers, but I had one go with it in the nets and it still flies, so I decided to take the plunge and get her back into match ready condition.
This is the condition it arrived in


This was the photo that convinced me that it was worth a punt, something pretty looks to be lurking under all that.

And here's how she looks after a good sand down, a few coats of oil and a new grip.
Old school profile

12 lovely grains with a touch of wiggley heartwood

