Need info on "Grumley by Grumley" bow

[Vrroom]

My father-in-law is interested in finding out about a bow that he purchased from a fellow member of the Grand Rapids Archery club when he was 17 years old. That was in 1949. The bow was used for 2 seasons and has been kept in a bag in his closet ever since. I'm no expert on bows, but I think this piece is in excellent condition considering it's age.

The information that I've found points me in the direction that this is a "Grumley by Grumley" bow. A piece made, by Nels Grumley, after he ended his relationship with the Bear company sometime in 1948. My research leads me to believe that these bows are very scarce and considered to be collectible.

I am seeking confirmation, from those of you that are experts in archery history, that this is what I think it is.

Secondly, I'd like some direction on where to market this item (maybe some archery collector sites) and what would be a fair price to ask. I'm not quite sure he wants to sell it but I'd say he was leaning that way. Please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] with any information.

See pictures at:   Archery Talk  

Thanks in advance for any help.

Vrroom


 http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=603088

[PAPALAPIN]

Your research is correct.  You have a real collectors item.

"DO NOT STRING IT"

 Grumley's are a very specialized collectors bow.

I will defer my comments to those experts that know more about them

There was one at auction last week with a reserve of $800.00, but it did not sell.

[d. ward]

Although somewhat collectable,it's very diffecult to identify Grum's that were built after Fred canned Nel's.Unless signed by Nelly Value is somewaht low right now.Like Jack mentioned one actul Grumley at 800.00 did not sell.Thats a deal on those.bd

[d. ward]

After checking out your pics at AT.com.I would say she's for sure a Grum.and looking real good from the pics.As for the value,tough call.I myself I would list it on the mighty auction sight that has the ability to reach 20,000,000 viewers at once.And again unless the father inlaw is loaded with dough,I would not string her,leave that up to the new owner.Good luck eather way.bd

[PAPALAPIN]

If you put it up on auction, be sure to set a minimum  reserve.  

How much would you say, Don?

[Horney Toad]

I've seen em' go for over $1000. I wouldn't be in a hurry to sell. If you want to sell it on auction, wait till after the holidays. Put a reserve on it about 800 and see what happens.

[d. ward]

Oh ya at least 750-800 reserve.Toad's right too.Wait until after the holiday.I actuly sold a Grumley T/D a couple years ago for 1,600.00 and some change.But things are a little slow and low prices to sell right now.Income tax return time is a great time to sell old bows.bd

[Vrroom]

Thanks for all the input guys. I really don't know if the pa-inlaw is wanting to sell at this point, but these prices might change his mind.

I found one on evil-bay for for a "sky high" $2500 price.
 http://cgi.****.com/VINTAGE-RARE-BUSH-BOW-BEAR-ARCHERY-BY-GRUMLEY-HANDMADE_W0QQitemZ150193281217QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20840QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118

Is there something different about the one in the auction verses the one my pa-inlaw has, or is this person just dreaming?

Personally, I'm into the car restoration hobby and I see this kind of stuff all the time. BTW, if anyone is looking for a freshly restored 1969 GTO Judge, PM or email me. It's almost college time for my son, and the toys have to be sacrificed.

Vrroom

[Bjorn]

There was an article in TBM recently; lots of pics and stuff about Nels after Bear. The listing for 2500-that's just a number and does not mean much. Who knows what the best offer tag is set at- could be 500 dollars-it is not what I would call an auction.
Often sellers use those listings to simply advertise their business.
The market is very soft these days; like bowdoc says wait till tax time. Ask the owner how much he paid and especially if by chance he has a receipt. With the receipt the auction would be even more huge!

[d. ward]

Unfortunitly (is that a word??) anywho.For what ever reason I can not access my emails in any of my 3 servers to answer your question.I have no idea whats going down with my pc.But Tim's going to fix me up today.I checked out the Grum on peebay and it said something like the guy sold it earlier,but it was some fhoney credit card deal or something to that affect.I would be very suprised to see that bow sell for 2,500.00.Grumley Take Downs are by far rarer then the one peace bows.And they are not even selling for 1,500.00.Markets a little soft right now.bd

[Vrroom]

At the request of my father-in-law, the bow has been put on ****. The auction Item number is : 150201016609

Thanks to all those that posted and emailed me to respond to my request.

Vrroom

[d. ward]

Nice looken Grum...........bd

[Ga.boy]

Just saw the bow on ebeigh, and she's a beaut. If she sells, I would think twice about shipping by UPS. Priority mail is much more likely to arrive in one piece!