I recently had need for a couple more pair of these oarlocks-- bronze, single piece, semi-open at the top, made for easy feathering, and the Alden people said they were no longer available. I prefer this lock because it gives positive bearing and positioning for both the power and (feathered) return strokes and because it's easy to pop the oar in and out of the lock without fiddling with the flip-down locking gizmo typical of most other closed oarlocks. Regular open locks and permanently closed locks both have obvious disadvantages. So the question is, does anyone know of a source for the Alden-type locks, or something that performs in a similar manner? Mike Connelly

-- Mike Connelly (Michael.Connelly3@verizon.net), July 29, 2003

Answers

Dear Mike,

I don't know if this will help but, years ago, I bought some similarly shaped bronze oarlocks. They were designed for high performance fixed seat rowing, but they function and fit "D" loomed sculls just like the old Alden locks. I found them in Small Craft Journal(I said this was years ago). They were sold under the name Ash Breeze. Perhaps someone will know what became of the company that made these beautiful pieces. Also, you may want to call Shaw and Tenney Oars, Inc. They sometimes offer some exotic, and lovely, British made hardware. Their number is 207 866 4867. Good luck.

Andre

-- Andre de Bardelaben (middlepath@aol.com), July 29, 2003.

Try Bill Graham at www.rowing sport.com

-- Robert Dunshee (rdunshee1@attbi.com), May 06, 2004.