1959 Grizzly ?

[Hojo]

Just picked this bow up, and I believe it is a 1959 Grizzly.  

It has some stress lines (longitudinal).  From what I've read, these are typical of Bears from the late 50's.  Other than that it is in pretty good shape.  

Couple questions, if you don't mind:
1) Is it a 59 Grizzly?
2) It appears to have two coats of red paint on the back and belly.  The first coat seems to have been very well done, and is under the leather grip.  The second coat appears to have been an attempt to cover up some longitudinal stress lines.  Did Bear Co ever paint their bows red?
3) The grip had black tape on it.  When I removed it, I was suprised to find a leather grip. Does it look original?
4) I paid $50 for it and an old 25# Cub.  How'd I do?

I've put a couple of arrows through it, and it shoots great!  Sure would appreciate anything you can tell me about it.  

 

 

 

[copicasso]

This is a 59 Grizzly. People repaint bows to hide any problems. The limbs should be green and pumpkin orange.

[Hojo]

Thanks, Copicasso!  Any idea of the value on these?

[59Alaskan]

More than what you paid, but as is, not much.  If you refinished it by stripping the red and dealing with what ever is below properly and putting new decals on you might get a bit out of it.

These are fabulous shooting bows.  Have you shot it?  Might just want to keep it.

Oh, I don't think the leather on yours is original either.  Definitely doesn't look like the 1959's I have or have seen.  Your tips may be original.  That one looks very nice.  That looks like a potentially nice shooter depending on what you find under the paint.

[Hojo]

Thank you, ceme24.  
I was able to get it out to my range today. It does shoot nice. Impressive speed.

Overall, I think it is a solid bow.  

I've been wanting to try my hand at refinishing, so it looks like this will become my first victim.  I will be more at ease taking the red paint off now that you guys have supplied me with some details.

Many thanks!
Howard

[bowhunterfrompast]

If this is your first, it would be well worth your time to read "Restoration 101" by bowdoc, located at the top of this forum. A lot of great helpful information.

Good luck and take pics of before and especially after.