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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: olehickory on April 23, 2018, 12:48:23 PM

Title: Bear polar bow
Post by: olehickory on April 23, 2018, 12:48:23 PM

I have a friend that has a Bear Polar recurve bow and he would like some info about it

It has a made in Grayling mark and a Canada pat. date of 1953.
The riser contains the following info.  5J187,  63 inches,  30 #
The riser also contains a built in sight. It is marked in both yards and meters. (At least I think the second set of numbers represents meters)

Any information anybody can provide would be greatly appreciated. An approximate value would be helpful as I would like to purchase this bow from my friend.

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: mangonboat on April 23, 2018, 10:10:58 PM

The built in sight window suggests it is 1964 or later. The 5 digit at the front of the serial number sequence followed by the letter J  most likely indicates a 1965 Polar, but there is an outside chance it could be a 1964 that coincidentally started with  5J. 63" model in 1965  would be unusual..is that the measured tip to tip length or marked on the bow?

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: olehickory on April 24, 2018, 11:10:27 AM

the 63 is marked on the bow riser

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: Captain*Kirk on April 24, 2018, 11:24:15 AM

The Polars typically don't command a high price compared to other Bear bows, being considered "target bows", and most being of lower draw weights. The white limb faces also make them a poor choice as a hunting bow. As for value, I would suggest doing a search on the big auction site, then search for "find similar items" and compare pricing to average out. I think you might be pleasantly surprised. I have had several on my watch list over the years that ended up selling in the $100.00 range but I wasn't buying at those particular times.
Good luck in your endeavor; hope you get it.

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: olehickory on April 24, 2018, 12:07:08 PM

thank you for your information.  I was hoping for a price in the range you mentioned.

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: Drywood on April 28, 2018, 10:37:39 AM

 I don't have an answer but clues. I see a 1961 Polar with 16J64  in 64" and 25J97 in 66".  Also 5 Polars that I  think were early 1962  6J79,29J59,25J94,29J81 and 14J48. All yellow glass zebrawood  66". The 63" riser marking is unknown to me. I hope this helps,I sold several $75 to $150.

Title: Re: Bear polar bow
Post by: olehickory on April 29, 2018, 04:22:13 PM

Thank you. All info even clues are appreciated.  Your price fits with other sources I have checked.