"The Jester" Longbow By Gordon Plastics

[91stormvet]

Like to know if anybody has any info on this bow. I got it from a friend who's dad was going to toss her into the burn pile. Hung in his barn for 20+ years. Looked in sad shape but polished up very nice. Perfectly straight limbs. I know it's at least 40+ years old as I read that Gordon Plastics stopped making bows under their own name and started making bows for Browning in the early 60's. Besides the name plate "The Jester" Gordon Plastics, San Diego, California. And the badge, "Laminated with Bo-Tuff Fiberglass", I don't have much else. It's 40#  serial# 758247. If somebody can tell me how old it is and some history, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Tim

[91stormvet]

This looks to be maple. Your right about tiny tips. Don't know about shooting though, as I don't have a string yet. will get one tomorrow and try it out. Looking forward to trying it out.

[91stormvet]

Shot this thing tonight and was really suprised. Easton 2018 at 158 fps. and super quiet. So light you don't know it's in your hand. Everyone who tried it smiled. Nice little shooter. Would have been a damn shame to burn it!

[Waterhole-Ike]

Gordon bows have long been known for their fine performance and exceptionally high quality. An example of their superior “know how” in the bow trade is the fact that 9 out of 10 professional bowyers use their famous Bo-Tuff backing and facing on their own bows.
Bo-Kore is another Gordon exclusive….a fiberglass cloth and maple veneer lamination cured under extreme pressure, producing a bow core which when backed and faced with Bo-Tuff adds 400 lbs. per square inch additional strength and stability. This permits the use of lighter weight limbs and gives greater speed, safely than otherwise possible.
Gordon bows are available in a wide choice of designs, models and prices to fit every archer’s need. The “Royal” bows are all of similar quality and material, the difference in cost reflecting the fancier appearance of some models and additional hand work.
All Gordon bows (but Squire) are shipped with our free bowcase. Each is complete with a Dacron bowstring.
Gordon Plastics first advertised their “Royal Line” in the 1958/59 Archer’s Bible, pages 18 and 19. At that time they had four models;
“The King”   $59.50   67” length    weight:  30 to 55 pounds
 “The Knight”   $54.50   62” length   weight:   30 to 70 pounds
 “The Prince”   $54.50   67” length   weight:   30 to 60 pounds
 “The Queen”   $44.50   64” length   weight:   25 to 55 pounds
 “The Page”    $32.50   62” length   weight:    20 to 55 pounds

In the 1961/62 Archer’s Bible, Gordon Plastics advertisement appears again, this time on pages 28 and 29.  In this advertisement Gordon added two additional bows to their line and changed the names of the models.
“The Royal Monarch”   $89.50   66” or 69” length   weight:   30 to 60 pounds
“The Royal King”   $74.50   66” or 68” length   weight:   30 to 60 pounds
“The Royal Knight”   $54.50   62” length      weight:   30 to 70 pounds
“The Royal Queen”   $44.50   64” length      weight:   20 to 40 pounds
“The Royal Huntsman”   $49.50   54” length      weight:   30 to 70 pounds
“The Duke”      $39.50   64” length      weight:   30 to 60 pounds
“The Page”      $32.50   62” length      weight:     20 to 55 pounds
“The Jester “      $22.50   60” length      weight:   15 to 40 pounds
“The Squire”      $14.95   48” length      weight:   10 to 30 pounds

Hope this answers some of your questions. The advertisements do not give the brace height for any of the bows. If you have any other questions feel free to email me at [email protected]
Be Safe

[91stormvet]

Wow, Thanks! It really is a great little bow considering it did not lead a charmed life. When I first received it it was nothing to write home about. Great looking little bow now though. The info is much appreciated. I sure will keep an eye out for the other models. A royal flush of these bows would be awesome. Get the pun. LOL

Thanks, Waterhole-Ike.

[wadde]

Way to go Waterhole Nice Info!!!

[Horney Toad]

Thanks Waterhole for the good info.

I bought a Gordon bow, 35# and gave it to my 12 year old nephew last year. I'll have to look and see which model it was.

[Waterhole-Ike]

My Pleasure.

[Yellah nocks]

That particular bow is the exact model my father owned and on which I first learned to shoot. If its in decent shape and you ever want to get rid of it just let me know.

[mangonboat]

Your bow was the 247'th Gordon bow released for sale on inspection in July 1958. The Jester was a lower-tier bow in the Gordon line up but they have held up well.

[hardbern]

From the 1960 Sales Division Catalogue: