Collectors Advice

[Tatersalad]

OK...I'm still a newbie when it comes to collecting and wanted some advice.

If i had two bows of the same make and model but one was a few years older than the other but was in a little worst shape than the slightly newer model...what is your recommendation on the purchase...buy the slightly older (talking 2-3 yrs difference) but little rougher bow or buy the newer bow that is in better shape?  Note the difference in age is not grayling vs gainseville the bears i'm trying to choice from are both gainsville vintage bows (one early 80s the other mid 80s)

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Michael

[Horney Toad]

Which models are they? Not all bows are collectible.

[d. ward]

do what I do buy them both and then you'll know which one you like the best ?????? bd

[PAPALAPIN]

If you are talking about bows that are 45 - 50 years old,  one or two years is not going to make the big a difference.

As TOAD said, not all bow and models are as collectible as others.  A lot depends on the Brand, model year, condition, and the draw weight.  The really heavier bows are harder to come by, and will usually carry a better collectors value.

It would help to know what bow you are talking about.

Is older better, sometimes yes sometimes no.  In my opinion, a mint 1970 B riser is worth  more than a Mint green stripe,  66 Kodiak is worth more than a 65 Kodiak.

Rarety also plays a roll.  Post here that you have a 1967 Kodiak with a "7" as the first digit, and watch the collecting community come alive. If that bow exists at all, it would be worth more than one each of all the other kodiaks from the '60's put together.

Let us know what you are talking about and you will get a collection of various opinions from us.  However...do yourself a favor and don't tell us where we can find it...you might find that is has mysteriously been sold while you were making up your mind.


As a new collector, you should spend a lot of time on this Forum and on e8ay reading and learning.  I have been collecting longer than many, and not so long as most, and I learn something here every day.  On this forum, no one knows it all, but collectively we know all there is to know.  Who knows, one of these days you my be the one that broadens our enlightment on a particular issue.

[Tatersalad]

Sorry for not giving enough info.  The bow (or should i say riser)is green stripe takedown.  Based on serial number one is early 80s (B-3XXX - likely 83-83) and the other is more like a mid 80s (B-5XXX - like 83-84).

bd - i like your suggestion but unfortunately i don't have unlimited funds.  Still have two kids (one in college/LSU and one still in private high school)at home that get the majority of the money i bring home. its a good thing i love them both...or i woulc be buying up every bow i could get my hands on...lol.

Hope this is enough info.

Thanks

Michael

[Horney Toad]

For green stripe takedowns, buy the one in the best shape. Would be great to buy both. Those green stripers are a good investment, and are getting quite collectible.

[PAPALAPIN]

TATER...

I don't think there would be a big difference between those two year models.  As the TOAD said, go for the one in the best shape if the prices are close enough.

However, if the rougher one is a good bit cheaper, and your intentions are to drag the riser through the Canadian marshes in search of Moose, you might thing about the lesser one as long as it is in shootable condition.

Now if you are too poor to be able to buy all the nice collectible bows you see, do what I do...copy and paste them into your own Photo album and start a virtual collection.

As an example, I have one unshootable '63 Kodiak Magnum Dogleg in average condition.  But in my virtual collection I have various pics of all the type I, II, and III models.  I have the ones the Wade, LarryM , and Bjorn posted recently, and others.

Go to that threat and steal a few.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=004122

Cheap collection that you can show off on line anytime you want, but acknowledge who owns them.

Ain't this a great digital world we live in

[Tatersalad]

Jack and Horny Toad

Thanks for the advice.  

Jack - Been doing the same thing but never thought of it as collecting...proably saved hundreds of photos of this and other sites.  Now if i could only figure out how to shoot some of my cyber collection i would be a happy man.

Michael

[PAPALAPIN]

TATER...

Keep in mind that this is just two guys very biased opinions.

What is important is to figure out what "YOU" like...not us

[WRV]

I have 2 Kodiak Hunters that look alike. One has seen quite a bit of action and is the one I hunt with. The other is close to mint condition and she hangs on the bow rack to admire and possibly trade/sell for something else.....Randy

[PAPALAPIN]

So Randy

As a seller, which one would you put the higher price on?

[C Kerley]

""" Based on serial number one is early 80s (B-3XXX - likely 83-83) and the other is more like a mid 80s (B-5XXX - like 83-84)."""

Is that quote accurate?  I'm wanting a takedown or Kodiak from the year I started shooting, which was 1982.  If those numbers are correct it'd really help me.