"Sabo Custom" Recurve

[calebk]

Hey, new member here so if this isn't the right place for this let me know.

I inherited a vintage recurve from my 80 year old aunt who used to shoot.  I don't need it anymore, but a friend wants to buy it.  I'm hoping someone here will be able to tell me something about its potential value.  I can't find anything about the company online and nothing out there matching it.

The only markings on it are "Sabo Custom" on the front of the bottom limb and the standard bow info just below the riser.  64" long, 35# @ 28" draw, and serial # 110006.

Hopefully I did this right and there's a picture below (darn technology).

 

[reddogge]

There's not much traffic in old Sabos these days so you can't go to e*** and get a value. I'd say an old target bow in good shape is worth at least $150. You should be happy and he should be happy.

[Sal]

The value of a bow is what somebody is willing to pay for it.

Are you looking for a price to quote to your friend?  If so, then the friendship often sets the price rather than the product.  I've sold a few bows and they always go cheaper for my friends.

I think that company was based in San Diego CA, and they made some nice bows.  I don't know how collectable they are.

[calebk]

Thanks all, I mainly wanted to know so I didn't charge $120 for a $50 bow or something.  She's wanting to get into archery and this will be her first bow.  I'm not in a position to give it away (new college grad looking for a job), but she'll definitely get $$$ off.

That SSR is something else.  It looks almost like a compound without the training wheels.  But then again, I don't shoot much more than longbow anymore.

[Kelly]

Tell you what-your friend is going to be one happy shooter-these bows are awesome.    

If she decides that archery is not for her I will gladly buy this bow-anytime anywhere.

[Jon Stewart]

I picked up a SABO at a yardsale for $10.00.  Had no clue what is was or who made it until I did some cheking.

[oldbohntr]

Another Sabo for the collector:
 

 

 

 

 

[Larry m]

That is one of the ugliest bows I have ever seen but a center shot performer for sure. Just look at those limbs. A 900 round, light aluminum OR carbon shafts and a fun time!!

[oldbohntr]

What!  You don't think mine is as pretty as Caleb'??   I'm shocked!  Don't forget what the masthead says about mutual RESPECT!

Ok, it is actually pretty awful. For 20 years I've asked myself why I keep the d__ thing!  But....it's just too odd to part with.  I know nothing about SABO except some old ads,this bow, and a couple of pics I've seen of some really well made bows(like Caleb's).  Would have been very interesting to visit this company way back when and hear their discussions at the morning coffee break.  I'm going to ask Fred Anderson or Larry Hatfield the next time I see them-I'll bet they can shed some light on this.

I've got some Damon Howatt El Dorados that are designed along this same line(center shot, separate handle), but look to be far better bows that this one!  Interesting wrinkle in time that these separated-handle bows were designed for top target competition use, but the rules change never allowed them in competion.

[Larry m]

Sorry Tom, It was not met as a personal slight but as an observation of the bow itself. I have been an  archer going on six decades now and  prefer hunting/field bows shooting off the shelf. However, in the early 70's I shot FITA competively in college so can appreciate the performance level of your bow. In the past. I have seen several bows designed to shoot through the center of the riser with weight forward but this particular model caught me off guard. My statement was not meant to offend! It would be very interesting to hear a more knowledgeable opinion.

[Larry m]

Oh Yes, By the way!
If I owned that bow, I would hang onto it. A very cool piece of archery history........ And yes I do like Calebs.
Respectfully Sir!!!!

[calebk]

I'd probably have to hang onto the SSR if I had one.  If nothing else it would be a great conversation starter and, as Larry said, a venerable piece of history.  I wonder if having the riser coming over onto the left hand side would hinder the use of sights?

My bow is a pretty piece (actually her bow now).  I might have held onto it if it weren't a friend wanting to get into a sport that I love.  That and the fact that my collection of odds&ends was getting large enough that something had to go.

[oldbohntr]

Yeah, I'm not going to let it go, for a while anyway.   Hey, Larry, I wasn't offended at all, and I'm sure you know that.  Just joshing a bit.  

I know that you have probably seen the Howatt El Dorados too. That limb looks like it ought to smoke this SSR design in any competition! Maybe some others haven't though. I'll have to take some pics of mine and post them here.  May take a while as I have to look around for the stabilizers for the El Dorados.  By the way, if you ever see a Black El Dorado for sale, I'd sure love to have one.  I thought I had all 3 colors that were shown in the old brochure and Larry Hatfield was over here and said "why, you're missing the black one!"  Darn!

[vintage-bears]

Love you guys!
Very cool bows there.

......Philip

[Larry m]

Hi Tom
I would very much enjoy seeing pictures of the Howatt Eldorado. I'm guessing your referring to the odd (don't know how you would describe it) 1970 model with the pearl grip. That must be some collection you have!! I always enjoy seeing your posts with the pics.
Interesting how the SSR is very similar to the Sweeney prototype. (Looking at Recurve Archery History) I remember looking at the limb design on the Hit Black Ace and that is what really caught my eye on your bow. A shaft launcher for sure. Most of what I saw in the early 70's were target bows from Hoyt, Bear, a few Pearson,s and then Lewis Carroll which is what I shot.
Hey Guys
Merry Christmas