Original Frank San Marco

[md126]

Hello all,    I have an opportunity to possibly trade for a Frank San Marco LB. I've done a search on here but any additional information anyone could provide before I decide to pull the trigger  would be greatly  appreciated.

 From what I can tell so far they are very rare, well made, and smooth shooters. The bow I may trade is also rare so I want to be absolutely sure.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[khardrunner]

Nothing but perfection from everything I have seen. I did some reading on him. He is obsessive compulsive about making perfect bows.

[hayslope]

Frank is a master at his craft.  Not just my opinion, but the opinion of many out there....including John Schulz. And a great friend, mentor and inspiration to many.

There are not many of his bows that ever show up for sale or trade.  Congrats on finding one!

[Goshawkin]

What are you putting up for the trade?

[md126]

Original Schafer

[limbow]

Wheew!!! Mike, you had me worried there for a minute  

[Mint]

I would keep the Schafer if you care how well it performs. As for a collectors item to me the original Schafer would be more valuable.

[Robhood23]

They are very well built and he ages his Yew years before using it in his bows. I wouldn't say very rare, I have owned a few over the years. I wish I had one right now cuz I love original tips!!

[tippit]

Naw...not pretty at all  :p  

 

 

 

[killinstuff]

Mint has it right. Pretty bow but not the best performance and will slap your wrist like no other bow.  I never wear an arm guard but I had to with my San Marco or it bit me on every shot.

[md126]

Not to worry Kevin, you still have dibs on the other one..    

Does anyone know if his bows are FF compatible?

Thanks for all the replies

[dtarbell]

At one time in the early 80s He had a 2 yr waiting list,Ive never had the oppurtunity to shoot one but theyre sure pretty at that time I think He made custom guitars,really.

[bamboo]

Does anyone know if his bows are FF compatible?

i heard he's building again--ask frank

[mikebiz]

I would love to add a San Marco to my collection of Hill-style American Semi-longbows.  I have never handled one, but from what I've read and seen, his workmanship is impeccable.  I doubt if the bows are FF compatible.  

md126, have you shot Hill-style longbows before.  It's gonna feel a bit different than your Schafer I would imagine.  Does the bow you are considering have a straight, dished or locator grip?

[tippit]

I shoot all my longbows and selfbows with 450+ reguardless of age.  I only worry out old recurves...tippit

[md126]

i believe the FSM it has a mild locator grip.

i realize it will be an apples-to-oranges comparison w/ the schafer as far as performance, feel, etc..

i have several schafers and was intrigued by the FSM and what i've read about the bows and the bowyer.

thanks again for all the replies

[Mint]

Check outthe Long River Longbows by Gus Delaghelfa if you like D Shaped bows. I havea few of his and the workmanship is incredible and they shoot great. Gus no longer makes bows but his used ones show up now and again.

[David Mitchell]

I have shot a San Marco--a buddy got one on a trade...if I were in the market for a bow I would personally keep looking--or keep the Schafer--which I would prefer.

[Liquid Amber]

I was on his list and it took seven years to move to the top.  By the time he contacted me, my desire to own one had cooled considerably and I politely thanked him for calling and cancelled my order.

[tippit]

Mint,
I agree with comparing Gus to Frank.  Both are incredible craftsmen.  I have both and the fit & finish is amazing.  Frank has the edge on the beauty of his yew though.  I don't know how he got that color.