Bear Year and Value???????

[john mccabe]

Hey Guys,
 I have this Kodiak serial # K-4-7556B 63#
 The decals have the" pat applied for" so I'm assuming it's pre 1953. It's in near perfect condition with no scratches or cracks. It has the static tips and possibly the original leather grip.
 I would like to know the value, the year and if it's rare. Thanks for your time, John  

[alaskabowhunter]

nice 1952 K-4 , in that condition I would value it around $250 more or less... my opinion only.

[john mccabe]

thanks for your info, how do you come up with 1952?

[wadde]

The bow is 1952 or 1953 the shelf looks more like 1953. Standard length was 64" and could be custom ordered in 62" or 66". weights were up to 100#. The purchase price was 49.50 which included a case. I have had several and have sold some for 100.00 and others for 200.00. It seems like the higher the poundage the better the price. Your decals are in good condition also as many times the decals are poor. Kodiaks prior to 1952 had aluminum laminations in the limbs and 1954 had the compass in the handle. 1952 and 1953 are the only years they looked like yours. The Bear decal also changed in mid 1953 from the small running bear to the large bear. Thus 1952 or early 1953.

[john mccabe]

thanks steve, I've always wanted to know more about the bow, I new I could find out here.
                                         -John

[alaskabowhunter]

Your bow can be called a 1952 (actual "born on" date   varies) Kodiak for 2 reasons, as stated above, the absence of the aluminum lamination and the blonde colored glass. The 1953 had a dark reddish colored glass for that year. Enjoy your bow.
 

[alaskabowhunter]

the top bow in my pic is a 1949 Grizzly, the first production bow made by Bear Archery, prior to that each bow was made custom. Below the '49 Griz is a 1950 Kodiak K-6.  In desending order after that is 1951 K-6, 1952 K-4, 1953 K-4 (note glass color). Of course in 1954 Bear introduced the Kodiak II or also called the "Compass Kodiak" for obvoius reasons. Probably more information than you wanted to know!

[john mccabe]

WOW, YEA MINE LOOKS LIKE YOUR 1952 K-4
 Thanks for sharing, I'm a little tempted to string it up it appears to be in such great condition but 63# is to much for me so I may just hang it to look at.
                               -John

[PAPALAPIN]

This is the place to come to get your questions answered.  I know nothing about pre '60 Bear bows, however , Alaskabowhunter was able to step in with his knowledge of the Old Bears.  

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