Bow Value

[BigGuns]

I have an old Howatt Diablo recurve bow. I was able to get some info on it from Larry Hatfield at Martin Archery. Whom I believe I read is a former Howatt Archery employee/owner.

It is a 1959 Diablo
62" length
45# pull
28"-30" draw
Brazilian Rosewood/Maple/Glass laminate
Bowyer: Jim Hook
Excellent condition with only minor striations in the surface gelcoat.
Very Rare
No more than 200 made in any one year.

I am trying to get an idea what the collector value is on it. It is to rare and beautiful and I don't want to take it out into the woods to hunt with and trash it. I am not really a collector myself. I would rather sell it to someone who will really appreciate it and purchase a more modern recurve bow I am willing to take out to the wooods. Thanks, Dan

[TimZeigler]

BigGuns,

Sounds like you have a nice bow there.  Although "rare", I don't know how many collectors there are for that specific bow/model.  Its only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, as with most anything.  The term "rare" is overly used now days, and one persons rare is another persons hunting bow.

In my honest humble opinion, I think all bows are meant to be shot unless circumstances dictate that they are unsafe to the shooter or to the equipment.  

My current hunting bow is an original Silvertip 1 piece made my Paul Schafer.  He was considered to be one of the greats in traditional bowhunting and bowyering, unfortunately he passed away some years ago in an accident. I believe that he would want his bows in the field rather than on the wall gathering dust.  Now the only thing it gathers is mud, dirt, and memories.

Hope this helps.  Tim

[BigGuns]

I am going to list it at a local archery shop for somewhat more than that and just see what happens. I am in no hurry. I like one of PSEs new recurves the Coyote and it's available up to 55#s and I think it's a takedown as well. They seem pretty reasonably priced too. As soon as I figure it out I'll post some pics or you can send me your email and I'll drop you a couple of pis there. Dan [email protected]

[BigGuns]

Thanks Tim,
   Larry Hatfield at Martin Archery was the guy who used the word "Rare" so I added it to the discription since I personally don't know enough about the subject.

[BigGuns]

Tim,
   I am that way with guns. Although I have a few inherited anique guns I don't buy or build anything I'm not willing to take out into the field and use/abuse!

[TimZeigler]

Yup, I'm in the same boat there as well.

Post some pics when you get them, and good luck with the sale.

You might want to post it the classifieds here as well; there are now currently 16817 members that you know are traditional archers, and I bet some of them are collectors.    

[Horney Toad]

I'm guessing right about $200.

[PAPALAPIN]

Daniel

Is it "Big Guns" or Big'uns"?

If you want to get your best price, your best bet is E8ay.  Set the start bid at what you want for a minimum and cross your fingers.  Your local archery shop will only give you just so much exposure,  E8ay opens it up to buyers and collectors world wide.

To get a better feel for what you have, you should go to the *********** and search out "Howattman",  IHe is pretty much the Garu on Howatt bows.  I think he used to work for Howatt.  In any case, if you want info, go to the expert.  He pops up here once in a while but *********** is his customary lair.

Good Luck

Good luck

[Blackhawk]

Yep, Howattman is your guy for info and pricing on that bow.

I believe he never worked for Howatt, but sure knows the bows.

[PAPALAPIN]

I will defer to Blackhawk.  Someone told me he was a former Howatt employee.  That could be wrong.

In any case, I think he is regarded as the "Al Reader" of Howatt bows.

[BigGuns]

By the way, thanks to all who replied to my original post. I have for the time being decided to hand on to my bow. Can't believe it was already four years ago. Oh well. Economy is no better. Thanks Mr. Obama for fixing it like you said you would.!

[owlbait]

fo7ur  

[4runr]

Owlbait, could you please enlighten us on what that means?