posted
As I remember, that bow didn't sell very high so the signature didn't add much to its value this time around. The dedication and Fred's signature have sufficient space between them such that the dedication to Big Al could be easily removed without disturbing the signature. I'm not big on autographs, but I would leave Fred's signature. The other stuff, not so much. Your choice though.
Posts: 5853 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2004
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Yeah I understand that, some sellers are tough to get a hold of. Hopefully you have luck with that one. Well done on the bidding there btw that's awesome. It's always nice when there is no contest at all, and seems to be a great price! happy hunting
Posts: 26 | From: Indiana | Registered: Jan 2012
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posted
if it was to turn out a fake i just drove up 66 kodiak prices. I do need to find someone to authenticate. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Posts: 400 | From: Vermont | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
You probably need a handwriting expert to be sure. Perhaps a collector like Wade Philips might help you. You will likely spend more on the authentication than you did on the bow if you want it to be beyond reproach and not just an opinion.
Posts: 8752 | From: Los Gatos, California | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
Orion, I have had many opinions on this bows Signature. Take the Big Al off or not. Most say not to because it will hurt the history. If I was to have the bow authenticated I am sure the value would go up, problem is will the value go down if I do take the Big Al off after authenticating? If I had another bow with Freds Signature this would be a much more easy choice for me. I am working on that though. Next task is to obtain a Grumley
Posts: 400 | From: Vermont | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Leave it... It is part of the bow's history.
Most of the Fred Bear signatures tha I have seen on bows include inscriptions/dedications.
-------------------- MOLON LABE
Traditional Bowhunters Of Florida Charity Shoot January 26, 2013. State Championship Shoot March 1-3, 2013. Come shoot with us! Posts: 4665 | From: weirsdale, fl | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
I never have understood why people have issues shooting a bow with someone else's name on it. All of my bows except one has another name on it. that how it goes when you buy a previously owned bows. its part of each bows history. each scratch, ding and name.
Additionally i cant imagine altering a bow that has Fred Bears inscriptions. Its a piece of Archery history.
Shane, enjoy that bow for what it is. Don't alter a thing.
I can just imagine sitting around a camp fire with Fred, at the end of a long and satisfying days hunt. After you crawl into your sleeping bag in your tent, Fred sneaks out and signs your bow, laughing and wondering when you will notice.
-------------------- TGMM Family of the Bow Proud Member of the Twister Twelve Posts: 1409 | From: Ashburn, Va | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
I had a friend who was once the top shooter in the county and was sponsored by Bear Archery in the 60s and 70s if I remember right. His name was Al Condiff and he went by the nickname "Big Al", even had this nickname embroidered on his jeans back pockets.
Al and his wife Viola won a total of 7 national championships, 35 state championships, had too many second and third place finishes to count.
Unfortunately Al passed away a couple years ago from a heart attack at 76 years of age.
Al had amassed a sizable collection of archery stuff over the years. As his health deteriorated and money got tight I sold a bunch of stuff for him on the net to ease his financial burden, Al didn't have internet access.
Al used to brag that he could out shoot Fred Asbel so I asked Fred if he knew Al at the Spring Fling last week, he remembered him well.
Al was never at a loss for words, matter of fact he could really get on one's nerves with his non stop talking. Al was a motor mouth to put it mildly, usually patting himself on the back for his past accomplishments.
In spite of his "gift for gab" he had a heart of gold and devoted the majority of his life to promoting archery and bringing kids into the sport.
He was still a great shot(wheels)in the year he died. He had perfect 20-20 vision and didn't wear glasses in spite of his advanced age.
Al told me a museum in Illinois had a display of his national championship trophies and a profile about his archery accomplishments. In his day he was the best.
I highly suspect the inscription on your bow is to the "Big Al" I knew. Al told me he spent a lot of time at Bear Archery having bows built for him. He was a big guy(long draw) and said they got upset with him for breaking so many bows.
Al's widow lives just down the road from me. I will check with her to see if the inscription might be to her "Big Al".
Posts: 3433 | From: Florence Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Bingo! I just called Viola, she said her and Al spent a lot of time with Fred Bear and that Fred did inscribe a bow for Al like is mentioned in this thread.
Posts: 3433 | From: Florence Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
I would not change one small speck of anything on that bow...
This is cool stuff.
-------------------- "You can learn more about deer hunting with a bow and arrow in a week, than a gun hunter might learn all his life." ----- Fred Bear Posts: 3691 | From: Zoo City, NC | Registered: Aug 2010
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posted
the previous owners name was Alvin Wallner. He had a sporting goods store in LA. The guy hunted only once with Fred as I have been told.
Posts: 400 | From: Vermont | Registered: Jun 2010
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