Neat old Longbow

[SKITCH]

I was out running around today and found an interesting old Longbow.  Looks like it was pretty well built.  I don't know the grain of the woods yet but looks like probably Osage or maybe Lemonwood??  It's got some age on it, so it's definitely darkened. It is a really tight grain wood from what I can tell.

Anyone recognize these marks????  

Looking forward to getting a string and trying to get my wife to shoot it.  68" 35# @ 28.......Couldn't get any decent light.  If anyone is interested in seeing it I will get better pics tomorrow.  Thanks.

 

[wadde]

Just ease into it pulling a couple inches at a time and listening for creaks. Those old longbows can blow if you just string them and go to full draw. Some turn out to be shooters and some don't. It depends on how it has been stored all these years. Good Luck.

[Larry m]

Looks like Lemon Wood. How about some more pics? Full length etc!!! Nice ole bow. Ditto to what Mr. wadde says...........

[SKITCH]

Here are a few more pics.  Needs to be cleaned up.  Definitely been sitting around for a while.  No shelf and has a little string follow in it.

         

[Sal]

Look closely at the glue line of the riser,those tend to come loose over time because the glue line dries out.

[Larry m]

I would leave it as is and hang it on the wall. Seems every old bow like that I see turned into a shooter ends up coming apart.  

[SKITCH]

You would be correct sir.  I tried to do what Wadde said and started bending it a little at a time....slowly.  Taking it a little bit more each time.  Well, I finally put a string on it and gave it a couple of light tugs.  I shattered it!  It blew up with gusto and drama!  Guess I'll chalk it up to a learning experience.  Should have known when I saw the exact same bow hanging on the wall at Bass Pro!!!  

Thanks for the advice guys!  I will continue to watch for interesting old bows...and know better in the future!

[wadde]

At least you did not get injured. Those old longbows can be dangerous if not handled carefully.

[Rick Enos]

I believe its an American Archery long bow from the 60s.

[SKITCH]

Thanks Rick!  

My daughter had just walked past a few seconds before....don't think it would have hurt her but you never know....splinters definitely flew! Surprised the heck out of me!