Oakshaft 79

• Type: Broomstick
• Owners: Prized by collectors of vintage broomsticks.
• Maker: Elias Grimstone of Portsmouth

The Oakshaft 79 is described as a handsome broomstick notable for its very thick handle made of oak. Its construction prioritizes sturdiness and resilience over agility, reflecting its purpose as an endurance model rather than a racing or sport broom.

The primary design purpose of the Oakshaft 79 was for long-distance endurance flying. Its key magical properties include:

• Durability: It was specifically built to withstand high winds, making it exceptionally reliable in all types of weather.
• Handling: By modern standards, its handling is considered “ponderous.” This lack of maneuverability made it ill-suited for the fast-paced sport of Quidditch.

The Oakshaft 79 was created in 1879 by the broom-maker Elias Grimstone in Portsmouth. Unlike later successful models from companies like Cleansweep Broom Company or the Comet Trading Company, the Oakshaft was never a mass-produced broomstick. Due to its heavy handling, it failed to gain popularity among Quidditch players of the era. Despite its limited commercial success, the Oakshaft 79 has since become a prized vintage broomstick among collectors, valued for its unique history and robust craftsmanship.

The Oakshaft 79 is not mentioned in the main narrative of the seven novels but is detailed in the supplementary book Quidditch Through the Ages. Its entry in that book serves to build the history of broomstick development, acting as an early, specialized model that contrasts with the sleeker, faster racing brooms that would come to dominate the market, such as the Nimbus Two Thousand and the Firebolt. It illustrates the evolution of broom-making from a focus on simple transportation and durability to one on high performance for sport.