Re-backing an old osage longbow???

[Alan Johnson]

Hello!!! I am looking for some advice, dos, don't dos, etc. regarding the process of removing the old backing (not sure of the material), and applying a new backing to an OLD osage longbow. The bow is 68", shows beautiful workmanship, and has absolutely no identifying markings apart from the number 100 stamped on the upper belly surface. Yeah, 100. It's accurate too, I had it checked, 100 @ 27", in fact. It shoots well, I can almost draw it completely but I worry about the backing which is coming loose in one spot and just simply worn away in some areas out towards the string nocks.
   Any advice on the feasibility of this project?

[Pat B]

Without knowing what the backing is(wood, paper, fiber glass, baleen, etc.) it would be hard to say. Some backings add performance, some don't.
 Will you post pics of the bow showing a back view and a side view.

[Steve B.]

I would wet it and let it soak for awhile and see what comes off.  Then I'd slowly heat it with a heat gun and see what else would come off.  Then I'd gently sand down what is left.
Depending on how it looked and what weight I wanted in the finished bow, I might chase a new ring and leave it unbacked.  Or, simply reback it with rawhide and hideglue.  I would not sinew a big bow like that unless there were big bends in the limb sections.