Barnes osage static (Deerslayer look alike)

[bearbowjunky]

I have a Willis H. Barnes static looks just like a Grumley deerslayer it is a selfwood with hickory backing. Any information about this bow would be great. Is it a very rare or collectable bow? I was told it was made from the 30's to some were in the 50's

[Highlander]

bearbowjunky, I have 'heard tell' of an oldtime local area (Portland, Oregon) bowyer by the name of Barnes.  I don't think that I have ever heard the first name.  My understanding is, however, that he was of that Grumley era.  I believe he was from Forest Grove, Oregon.

I hope that info is helpful, despite the lack of certainty.  I'd be interested to hear about the bow if you learn anything more.

[Waterhole-Ike]

Hello, Bear Bow Junkie. I did a little research on Mr. Barnes and found an ad in the September 1937 issue of Ye Sylvan Archer Magazine.

Willis H. Barnes lived at 601 N. 4th Street in Sturgis, Michigan. His ad reads like this:

Manufacturer of Big Game Hunting Tackle

"Barnes Bows held up perfectly in the recent Byrd expedition to the south pole. It was Barnes bows and arrows that brought down the big cats of Mexico in the latest big game motion picture called, "the Jaguar's Trail," starring Dan Brennan Jr."

"Hunters, write for information concerning new design bows and arrows."

If you can send me some pictures of the bow I'd love to see it.

Barnes was a contemporary of other bowyers such as Homer (Pops) Prouty, Earl Grubbs,Howard Hill, Cassius Hayward Styles (possibly the best bowyer ever),and Gilman Keasey.

I don't know what your bow is worth but it's certainly a piece of archery history and your lucky to own it.

Be safe.

[Liquid Amber]

Dave Mayer got the Michigan Barnes correct.

F.S. Barnes from Forest Grove pioneered the English longbow on the east coast and was the bowyer who taught Will Compton to make bows; Compton worked for Barnes.  Will Thompson was a good friend and hunting companion of F.S. Barnes.  Thompson used Barnes' bows to win NAA National Championships.  When Barnes quite making bows due to health concerns and moved to Ohio, Compton moved to California with a stash of yew, and soon hooked up with Pope and Young.  Barnes died in Ohio in 1913.