Can someone tell me what I have here?

[rod251]

First of all, a big hello to everyone at Trad Gang!  What a great site!  Anyways, I was looking to get into traditional archery several months ago and I bought this recurve from a fellow archer on Archery Talk.  He did not know who made the bow.  I have practiced a lot in the yard, have shot a couple of 3D events with the bow, and plan to hunt with it next season, but after some research and talking to some folks at the shoots, I am still not sure who made my bow or how old it is.  I have been led to believe that it is an early Shakespeare Wonderbow, but I won't swear to that.  If anyone could look at these pics and tell me what I have, how old it is, and its approximate value I would be grateful.  The only markings on the bow are in the first pic.  I would never sell my first recurve due to sentimental reasons, but it would be nice to know the dollar value of it.  Thanks in advance, Rodney

 

 

 

 

[wadde]

I have never seen a Shakespeare bow with that type of marking. I do not believe it is a Shakespeare Wonderbow. Ben Pearson and Indian Archery used markings like the ones on your bow.

[d. ward]

Ben Pearson lettering. Cat.98452 I'am pretty certin thats around a 1957-1958 Ben Pearson,which may have not had a name on the bows at that time or on all models.But rather the cat.number was actuly BP catalog order number.  bowdoc

[rod251]

wadde and bowdoc, thank you.  Any idea on a dollar value?  I paid $100 for it, which has been money well spent.

[d. ward]

100.00 would be about right for one in that nice of condition.bowdoc

[wadde]

Ben Pearson started putting names on the bows in 1958. The decal could just be removed. They did not make bows like yours in 62 inch until 1959. Most were 66 0r 64 inches prior to 59. I would say 1960 or 61 era Palomino as those had the laminations in the handle like yours. If it is an early 60's Palomino they sold for 69.50 back then. Yours looks like it is in nice condition. Enjoy hunting with it. The glass color combination is different also as most were either red or white glass both sides.

[PAPALAPIN]

Definitely made by Pearson, but I got a feeling it is a Locksley, or maybe a Sovereign. Pearson's alternate brands.

[wadde]

1961 is the year no one can give a color on the limb lams and more than likely the year these oddball combinations came out.

[wadde]

In 1960/61 the company was so overwhelmed with Palomino orders that they were pushing bows out the door, thus the oddball color laminates showed up in those years. They were swamped with orders for the new Palimino at that time. Thus after that they came up with the under 40 pounds were white glass and over 40 pounds were red glass. They were in a transition period time during those years.

[d. ward]

There is what is listed as a 1958 Ben Pearson Palomino on freebay right now.Looking somewhat like your combo..But he has it listed as a 1958..(I think it's a 1959)It's the dude with the negitive feed backs.But he seems to be a pretty good guy.Check it out if you got time......bowdoc

[rod251]

Yep, that's pretty close, ain't it.  Mine doesn't have the triple overlaid tips though, but the risers are pretty similar.  Thank you guys for all the interest you've shown and all the help you've given me in identifying my bow.  Keep the info coming if you have it.