-------------------- A TRUE FRIEND ALWAYS THINKS YOU ARE A GOOD EGG EVEN IF YOU ARE SLIGHTLY CRACKED. Posts: 581 | From: Ida, Michigan | Registered: Jan 2009
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With regard to the pewter coins. The biggest question I have had is whether they came Black from the factory. The answer is Yes. At least the 1961 Bear Video "The Oldest Game" clearly shows the coins on Fred and Chucks bows to be black. What made them black? I don't know.
But some of the Bear coins have the Bear letters, and line around the edge not black, acting as highlights. If it was a finish reaction why is the only black part the background on these coins ( and yes the finish is intact and original)? Why aren't the letters and lines black also? It has always appeared to me that the coin was painted and then rubbed to allow the letters and other lines to stand out.
I believe that Bear intended the coins to be Black, because he was aware it was black. If they didn't want them to be black, why would they continue to produce them in that fashion. I don't know how they became black, but I believe it was Bear's intent for them to be black.
Here is another interesting point, the 1961 Grizzlies that I have seen have the Black Pewter coin. They have factory camo. I am assuming that in the case of a camo bow the coins are installed last. Other camo bows support this. My 1965 Factory camo Kodiak has no finish on the coin. I believe this is a huge blow to the oxidation discussion since the coin is black and no finish was ever applied! As a side note it is obvious that finish or whatever was on the coins did not stick to the coins very well.
For those that are sure the coins were not painted, how do you know? If Bill Stewart or Fred Bear says they weren't painted I would trust there words. But, for something that happened 50 years ago it is difficult to be certain of something either way with out first hand knowledge. I am certain that they came from the factory black, whatever the cause.
Posts: 214 | From: Michigan | Registered: Aug 2010
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-------------------- Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils. Posts: 1823 | From: Escondido,CA. | Registered: Apr 2003
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This is a 1961 Grizzly I used to own. No finish would have been applied to this coin, as I believe the coin would have been installed after the camo paint in the case of a factory camo bow. The coin is black with the ring around the edge and various highlight of pewter showing through. I would like to add that in condition like this the coin is very attractive.
[ January 29, 2012, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: Rob DiStefano ]
Posts: 214 | From: Michigan | Registered: Aug 2010
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Nice stuff....I should look for 62' Grizzly, just so neat!!
-------------------- In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's there are few...So the most difficult thing is always to keep your beginner's mind...This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Shunryu Suzuki Posts: 9295 | From: tribes hill , new york | Registered: Jan 2008
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It would be relatively easy to paint the coin and polish the raised areas leaving the low areas in relief.. This most likely would have been done before installing the coin.. I don't know but I favor the paint theory, Hard for me to believe it would oxidize as much as that.
The catalog does not show the coin,, any one have a picture of a new one early in its' life?
-------------------- Many have died for my freedom. One has died for my soul. Posts: 1962 | From: Nebraska | Registered: Apr 2003
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Earl - I don't have a picture, but it can be seen in the video "The Oldest Game" if you have those old Bear movies.
Posts: 214 | From: Michigan | Registered: Aug 2010
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