Groves bow

[pumatrax]

recently acquired a Groves Spitfire...right hand,36# @28"....bow is marked Irwin Pecos..69"...5300-III...ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED...bow has magnesium riser ...wood core limbs...white glass

[PAPALAPIN]

The "Spitfire" was the model name used on most of the Groves bows.  There are many variations under that name.  I think part of the reason is that the Groves bows were started during WWII and we all know that the "Spitfire" war plane was a major player.

Harry Groves was the General in charge of the Manhattan Project, or the developement of the Atomic Bomb in Oak Ridge TN.  He had some of the most brilliant scientist at his disposal for the project.  He was intrested in archery so he had many of the top US physicist exprimenting on the best way to make bows.  After the war he started Groves Archery.  

Once thing unigue to Groves bow is the "dynostressed" limbs.  Most recurve bows are made by clamping all of the components into a jig at the same time.  Grove bows were made in a two step process.  The riser block and the backing materials were clamped into one jig that set the cures at a a set angle and curve.  Once the glue dried and cured a bit. it was placed into a second jig with the belly laminations at a different angle and curve.  This means the back and belly were glued under different "stresses".  Hence "dynostressed".  To the best of my knowledge, Groves was the only bow maker that used this method.

If you bow is in good condition it should be a solid shooter with lots of life left to it.

At 36# yours is most probably a target model with white glass.

Great find.  Enjoy it.

[pumatrax]

JACK..THANKS !!!! Any idea what it's worth....7 out of 10....appreciate the reply !!

[PAPALAPIN]

When it comes to old bows, they are worth whatever someone is willing to pay.  No more, no less.  If you put it on ****, the bidders determine the value.

There is more interest in hunting weight bows rather that target weight bows.  However, if two or more Groves collectors get into the bidding, the price will go up.  Other than that you will have bidders just trying to pick up a nice bow cheap.

That is the best answer I can give you.  

A hardcore Groves collector may be able to give you a more accurate answer.

I have over 80 bows hanging on the wall. Three are Groves bows.  I will not know their value until I try to sell them, regardless of what I paid for them.  They were worth what I paid for them at the time as other bidders set the price.  If I ever put them up, I may or may not get my money back.  Off hand,I don't remember what I paid for them.

[juniperbow]

I have had a Groves Prestige Magnum, 45#, and 56", since the early '70s.  I toyed with selling as a collector's item since the lower limb is warped.  Didn't know much about shooting a bow then and wish I could shoot it now.  I do remember shooting it at Grove's indoor range in Albuquerque.  It isn't for sale.

[BSBD]

I recently talked with Harold's son Dick.
He mentioned that he could fix any Grove's bow with twisted limbs.
The shop closed in 05' and Harold died in 97'.

[PAPALAPIN]

Check this out on Groves bows

 http://www.bowhunting.net/evaluation/GrovesBows-Mag2.html