Bear Factory Camo question

[Bob Walker]

I just picked up a 1969 Super Kodiak with factory camo that looks like it just came out of the box with the exception of the coin which has a few minor scuffs. I mean not even a scuff anywhere else. It came from someone that was a supervisor at the plant in Grayling. Is the factory camo option more desirable to collectors? Can anyone give me an idea of what this bow is worth? If you can and are willing, please pm me.
Thank you,
Bob

[johnnyrazorhead]

Bob,PM sent.
     John

[Dan Worden]

Bob,

I haven't seen camo bows command a premium per se. What I have heard is that early on the camo bows were originally bows with a finish flaws that the camo job would cover therefore salvaging a bow from the "seconds" bin and adding a $10 price increase. Then camo bows became more poular than there were flawed bows so the camo was applied over #1 quality bows.

I know some guys have removed the camo to find a beautiful bow underneath (complete with serial number and silkscreens) I know on a couple of mine I can "see" the second writing/silkscreens under the camo, but can't bring myseelf to remove it and see what I have underneath.

As for value, probably the same as similar year and weight Super's.

[PAPALAPIN]

BOB

Dan is absolutely right.  Bear took "blimished" bows and camoed them, adding $10.00 to the price.  A great marketing move to salvage these 95% perfect bows.  They offered camo models as an option.  The option grew in popularity and they had to start camoing first run bows.  

I have a 45# '64 Kodiak CAMO.  Someone scratched through the paint over the serial number and it is there in gold just like the rest.  Is a CAMO more or less valuable than A non camo?  Maybe, maybe not.  However, if you find an ols camo model, and remove the paint, what you may find is an old bow with a brand new finish since the camo paint has protected the original finish all these years.  Would I remove the camo?  Probably not, just knowing that original finish is under there is enough.  Once you remove the factory camo, you can't put it back.  OF course, an '69 Super Kodiak with a great original finish would be a beautiful bow with the phenolic riser and rosewood caps.  That is the last year they were made that way.  After that it was downhill.

Sounds like you got a great find, in great condition, enjoy it for what it is

[Bob Walker]

Gentelmen,
Thank you very much for the replies. Although now I am curious about what is underneath, I think I will leave it as is, at least for the time being, until the curiousity gets the better of me, LOL!
Thanks again,
Bob

[PAPALAPIN]

BOB

Good move.  You can take it off anytime,ut you can't put it back as original

[Bob Walker]

Hi Guys,
Got one more question on this bow. On the right side of the riser below the grip there is a threaded insert. Would this have been there from the factory? I have seen Bear quivers that have the spring arm on top and a threaded bolt on the bottom. Looks like it may have been used for that.
Thanks in advance,
Bob

[Dan Worden]

It sure sounds like the quiver attachment, but I don't know if they ever installed them on Super K's. I've seen them on both wood and metal T/D's so it wouldn't be a surprise to me if it was factory.