Odd-sized Longbow - String Recommendation? (Pics)

[Saurdaukar]

Hiya guys,

Randomly picked up an old York Archery longbow from ****, but the original string is MIA.

Background on York:

 http://www.archeryarchives.com/wyorkbows.htm

The seller did not know much about the bow, but it is 74", 60# @ 32".  

The 74" length is what is throwing me off.  Most "standard" strings are for 72" so far as I can tell.  I am unsure whether the 74" was measured from the tips of each horn (though they look like metal, not real horn) or the actual points of each string nock.

Couple of seller's pictures below - it is currently in a box in transit, somewhere.

I believe it is at least 50 years old; so not designed to work with modern strings... I expect I'll grab a few different types to see what works best - any recommendations on what you might try?

Thanks.

   

     

     

[Bjorn]

That was waay before AMO-try 3'' less than ntn for starters. Good luck!

[Kingstaken]

Like Bjorn..

[Grey Taylor]

Or just get a single loop string and tie a bowyer's hitch on the lower end.
I'm sure any of the string makers can put one together.

Guy

[JRY309]

When I make a string for my bows I like to measure the bows actual length from nock to nock.And then like said I would try a string 3" shorter,most of those older longbows usally have a lower brace height,like 6" to 6&1/2".

[SCATTERSHOT]

As others have said, 3" shorter than nock to nock measurement, and 14 strands of B-50 dacron should be fine.

Exercize the bow a little before you draw it to full draw. It's an old timer, and needs to learn how to bend again.

[Saurdaukar]

Ok - thanks for the start point.

 

Originally posted by SCATTERSHOT:

Exercize the bow a little before you draw it to full draw. It's an old timer, and needs to learn how to bend again.

Aside from drawing with care; is there anything else which can be done beyond basic wood R&R?

For example; if one can straighten an arrow using steam - could the same principal be applied to the (stripped) bow to soften the wood?