Jack Howard Archery?????

[Bill Turner]

Does anyone know if Mrs. Howard has been able to sell Jack Howard Archery? Is there a sale pending or is it still up for sale?  

[droptine59]

Nope... still for sale as far as i know. I offered, but no go.

[Van/TX]

So, about how much are we talking about?  Just curious what a ball park figure might be  :D  ...Van

[hs6181]

I shouldnt say because I cannot remember where it was I read about the subject, But I've always been told I talk to much    at least since I read whatever it was????

[Bill Turner]

ttt

[Bill Turner]

ttt

[Van/TX]

Bill, come down to Vanderpool with Danny.  We'll sit down and discuss        ...Van

[Kelly]

Last price Jack asked for, without training was $45,000 and he received no takers.

Mrs. Howard was offered $15,000 by one individual(not droptine59)shortly after Jack's death and did not take it.

Mrs. Howard has contracted with Paul Matson to dispose of the business and everything else. He has contacted me for help as he knows nothing about archery. We have discussed this at length and I believe Mrs Howard would be open for offers somewhere between the two amounts listed above.  To find out more contact Paul Matson at [email protected]

It will take the largest rental truck(non semi) from Penske, at the very least for all the equipment and bow making supplies that go with this company, plus several days for dis-assembly and loading. Extra bodies will be needed as some of this stuff is very heavy. Most of the equipment is use specific for the two models of bows Jack produced. Only a couple of machines can be converted to other applications without major changes. Jack had a machine for virtually every step of the bow building process. If one makes any changes to Jack's designs, either his equipment will not be applicable or it will have to be modified. Basically, what I am saying is if they sell off piece by piece they will be looking at pennies on the dollar. The real value is for the complete business.

All of the pre-cut handle wood is for the Classic and has no other use, except maybe knife or pen blanks. There are at least 100 pieces of this bubinga handle wood that needs the black plastic with steel rod mixed and added to it before assembly. All rosewood is in lumber form. There is very few fiberglass and maple lams so much of this will have to be purchased before any bows can be made.

I had planned on going to California this month to purchase the business, but for some unforseen recent circumstances I am no longer interested. They have found written instructions for every step in the bow making process both on Jack's computer and typed. It will take a good sized building to properly set up all this equipment. Jack had it in a 25' X 50' building. I was going to contract with ABF Moving to transport so this could be an option, instead of Penske and the new owner driving. It would be a shame for all this knowledge to disappear.

[Van/TX]

It would be a shame for all this knowledge to disappear.
 

And I think that's the problem.  Without Jack to show someone the whole process it would be very difficult for someone to figure it out and produce the product that he did even though stuff is written down.  It's a damn shame. Would have been nice if a large mass producer like Widow or Martin or Bear had stepped up a couple of years ago.  Oh well.  I think we have seen the last of Jack Howard bows  :(   ...Van

[Bill Turner]

Great info. Unfortunately, I have to agree with Van.

[vermonster13]

As some of the other great bowyers age, I hope they take all of this into consideration and pass on their and skill legacies before their knowledge is lost.

[hormoan]

Come on ol Charlie Lamb, just how big where those footing's for the new garage? You can always expand! Can't ya? There is no bigger champion of Mr Howards bows than you. And probably no one more fitting to start her back up!

                     Brent

[droptine59]

Good post kelly. personally, I am no longer interested. I have other buisness adventures on the move. Good luck to womever buys it.

[PAPALAPIN]

Like VAN, I don't think we will ever see any more "Jack Howard Bows: being made again.  It is a shame, because they were the best.

[bayoulongbowman]

Any heavy weight Lefty bows left???    Mark#78

[highcountry]

Rich did an outstanding job on his(Jack's) last two Classics.  I did not think anyone could match prior, but Rich's work was super.  Thanks Rich for your work on the last bows.