A riser indentification

[tukudu]

I am trying to get some information on approximate birth date of  an A riser with serial number TDA 049 with limbs TDL-02-0-59. Helping out a friend who was able to be reunited with the bow after over a  decade of hanging in someones office.  He did not even know that it was an A riser. We spent the chance cleaning it up this weekend and he is now excited. Sorry no pics but  any information would help in terms of how old. thanks. tom

[kuch]

Need to know colors of wood.  My 90's era riser started with TDA but colors would really narrow it down.

[tukudu]

Hi Chad, hope all is well. Blond with a a light grey color in riser. Not a dark grey at all. I got excited myself when I saw it. tom

[vintage-bears]

Bear Archery never offered to the public an A riser from the Gainesville Plant til 99/ 2000 or so. Those handles are marked as you describe in your post. Both A and B risers.
Prior to the move to Gainesville, the risers A,B and C were marked with letter - sequence  #. TD was never written on the handles.

A picture would be great. My guess is that the handle you describe was made early because of the 49, Low number.
Just my thoughts
.........Philip

[tukudu]

Phillip once again thanks for the helpful information. I will get a pic, it has some great highlights to it. tom

[kuch]

That's what I was thinking Philip, only saw the "TDA" on that era of risers.....actually mine was 2001, stole it from Cabelas "bargain cave " for $250 !!! that bow started my Bear bow affair.

[tukudu]

Chad and Philip, any idea what the present value of the riser/bow would be. Nice shape overall and I am thinking $750-$800 with limbs??? all in good shape and no major issues. The owner has no intention of selling and infact it will be given to his son, which is great. Let me know if I am at all close. tom

[vintage-bears]

Hi Tom.
I would not give a value on your bow or any other bow.
They are worth what someone will pay.
I will say this though,
Considering that a new red stripe can be bought, A or B riser with limbs, 1 or 3 length for $819 which I personally like very much or for $20 more made with bubinga,  it may be difficult to get the prices you mentioned. But you never know of coarse.

The early green stripe risers are different in that they are the LAST wood risers made under the reigns of PapaBear and are finally coming into their own as legitimate collector handles. I say the early handles because they were made pretty much like the Beloved Grayling handles. I personally never cared for the later green/brown gold stripe handles. Too many inserts and very plywood looking. They are bullet proof however and make an awesome hunting bow in any weather.

Just my thought's.

..........Philip

[tukudu]

Philip, thanks for your follow up. I am in agreement with you on the concept of "what the buyer will pay" as they all can  be special. The fact that this individual  has been tracking this bow down for almost a year certainly codifies the personal worth of this particular bow. Thanks again. tom

[kuch]

tom, as I said above , I bought my first for $250 then later bought my son the 2000 era riser and limbs for $650 which I thought fair but not a steal (Christmas gift ) so ..... that's what I was willing to pay then