Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: adb on February 05, 2014, 11:34:08 am
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I'm looking for help with obtaining info on a vintage Bear Grizzly static recurve. Serial # 26624. 52#. Doesn't indicate draw length (I'm assuming 28"). All original decals, original wrapped leather grip. Reddish orange FG, over what looks like osage. No cracks, fading, chips or any damage. IOWs, it's in mint condition. I shoot it occasionally. Should I?
Best I can tell, it was made between 1948 and 1953, but I can't seem to find out much more. Does anyone have any idea of value? A friend told me it was worth >$1000. I'm not looking to sell it... just interested. Any Bear related resources would be awesome, thanks!
Eddie... aren't you into this sort of thing?
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Huge money Adam. Id leave her be man!
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Yup, Mullet will see this and chim in. When I had a question about a Bear bow I skipped the forum and went ahead and just PM'd Eddie. ;D Got an answer back quick. Looks like an awesome bow! dp
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I think a lot of those early bows were made of lemon wood, but that does look like Osage. I would think it would have darkened after a few years. Awesome bow just the same. Build one just like it and shoot it, that one is worth something I would think..
Thanks for sharing
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Reddish orange glass is a 1953, I have one. It's glass over maple and they shoot just fine. Mine is 60# and is a hard hitting bow. They are worth between $160- 200.
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Reddish orange glass is a 1953, I have one. It's glass over maple and they shoot just fine. Mine is 60# and is a hard hitting bow. They are worth between $160- 200.
I figured the amount quoted was outta whack. Thanks, Eddie.
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Adam, there is one on ebay that went for $220., but it was mint. If it has brown glass it's a '54. What kind of decals does it have?
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All original decals.
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Yea, but Standing Bear, Running Bear, silk screen bear, 1953 patent or 1953 patent pending? I'll post some pictures of mine tomorrow if I can get home before dark.
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Here yah go Eddie...
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Did you try the Fred Bear Museum, in Gainesville, Florida?
Eddie is the man to go to if you can't get in touch with the museum. ;) They would probably just tell you the same thing he did. ;) Nice looking bow! Where did you come across that?
Wayne
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Nice bow. Market is a bit loose right now. Statics are bringing crazy money. Kodiaks are of course king. Grizzlys doing well also..Come up with a static Polar, and you have hit the jack pot> I have been contemplating putting my static Polar up for auction, but they are to hard to replace..
Nice bow. Shoot the heck out of it. They are some of the best that Bear made..
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Running Bear, deffinately a 1953.
Wayne; the Bear Museum has been closed for about ten years. Bass Pro bought all of the good stuff and scattered it around the country.
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Eddie, what is the difference between a 1952 and a 1953? I have two, for certain with the same decals as above. Different glass. One has reinforced glass on the back of the static sections.
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I have three of them, one with aluminum in the limbs. I don't shoot them, just stare at them on the wall!!!
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matt;
As far as I know it's the glass. Also I don't think they had the patent applied for decal.
JEB, guess you know the aluminum lam's were prone to self destruct. It almost bankrupt Bear Archery, Fred had a money back gurantee.
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mullet, my dad was given the bow by Fred Bear as a gift. Dad shot for Bear and was on his advisory team for three years. Dad told me one day that Fred called him and ask for the bow back, as, like your wrote, they were prone to break. Dad kind of ignored the request and when he died I got the bow which is just hanging on the wall. I have had thoughts of making a couple of strings for the other two and try and shoot them but would hate for them to break.
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Running Bear, deffinately a 1953.
Wayne; the Bear Museum has been closed for about ten years. Bass Pro bought all of the good stuff and scattered it around the country.
Well that sucks! :P :( It has been awhile since I was there. I had told my neighbor who had to go to a Dr. on Archer road, to stop by there with her young son. She wasn't able to get there, as she was pretty busy, with other stuff also. Good thing. ;) Well then you be the man to go to, for technical info. ;) Thanks for the up date. #$#@!!! Bass Pro! >:( >:( So is Bear still in business? I have not been keeping up with the archery business in general. I know Bass pro has some non wheelie bows here in Port ST. Lucie, one is a straight bow, looks pretty nice, for a $100.00 or so. I don't know the weight, or length of pull. I will have to go back and ask to look at it. I didn't see anything that looked like a Bear, but I wasn't looking for one either. I still have my Bear Grizzly, but is only 45#, but it is fast! It is in Montana at the moment, along with the bow you gave me. I am getting ready to go to Brooksville to teach a clown class, for the Div. of Forestry, in a few minutes. I will try to swing by the Dade city knapp in, if I can on Friday. Depends on what time we finish the class, and get all the certificates, and CEU"S for their Fire Inspectors certification. If not, then Maybe Sat. or Sun. I need to get some more gravel material. ::)
Wayne
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Wayne;
Bear is still making bows in G-ville. Got my new '59 fro there. Bring your tent when you hit Dade City knap- Inn. Since you are a little out of touch, it's Feb. 14, 15, 16.