Trad Gang

Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Dorado on September 27, 2014, 12:52:00 PM

Title: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Dorado on September 27, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
There's an estate sale going on this weekend and they have an old Ben Pearson longbow for sale. There are no markings other than the manufacturer's label. I don't know what length or poundage it is but I would guess about 62" 30-35# maybe 40#.
I'd like to know if is worth anything they're asking $65 for it.
Sorry about the poor quality photos that's the best I could do with my phone.
    (http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae347/Dorado1873/0927141104a_zpse98f6db0.jpg)
    (http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae347/Dorado1873/0927141104_zps26379554.jpg)
    (http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae347/Dorado1873/0927141103a_zps86b49300.jpg)  
    (http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae347/Dorado1873/0927141103_zps87050609.jpg)

Edit: it has straight thin tips that are in good shape not reinforced. Dark brown fiberglass on back and belly. I just realized that I didn't get a picture of it full length.
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: eidsvolling on September 27, 2014, 07:48:00 PM
Can you draw it before buying? If it's in very good condition and you can test draw it, I'd be inclined to haggle just a bit and go ahead. I would lose the sight and fix any finish issues if it were me.

I have two quite old selfbows in a similar design. One is a treat to shoot; the other needs a better setup than what I have going for it right now.
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Blackhawk on September 27, 2014, 08:12:00 PM
Many of these older lemonwood bows without glass cannot handle too much stress any more and will break.  I'm not sure if that's what you have, but I would be reluctant to invest in one.  To me, that's too much for a wall hanger.
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Larry m on September 27, 2014, 10:17:00 PM
That's a neat piece of archery history just as it is. I would drop 25 to 30 bucks on it and hang it on the wall!
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Blackhawk on September 28, 2014, 01:07:00 PM
Yes, $25, but no way $30.   :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Larry m on September 28, 2014, 02:53:00 PM
Yeah, I hear ya Lon!
$30 is usually my limit for the older wood bows and then they have to be a bit unique. But then of course the name Grumley, Grubs and Easton (to name a few) usually get me to open the wallet a bit more!!
Title: Re: Old Ben Pearson longbow
Post by: Dorado on September 29, 2014, 12:41:00 PM
Yeah, that's about what I was thinking. I only wanted it as a wall hanger. It has a nice look with the old sight and being ragged looking. I'll wait until this weekend and see if it's still there. I'll offer $20 and see if they bite. After all it's not like I need the thing.