Fred Bear Autographed Picture

[mathewsman]

Okay Guys - I need some help here. One of the fellows at our Club found a picture that has been hanging on the wall for years of Fred Bear and a large Grizzly that he shot. It is autographed but it looks like two different sets of writing. Some of our "old timers" remember him visiting the club back in the fifties and this print has a date on the back of 1953. I have tried to get someone to help me at Bass Pro shop as they have taken over most of Fred's museum stuff, but no answer. Anyone want to venture if this is the real thing or someone playing a prank years ago. I can send pics by PM if anyone thinks they have an idea about it or can tell me someone who might be of help. Thanks in advance .  

[Elmer Keith]

What about sharing these pictures with other gang members?      

[mathewsman]

I will---- but not sure how to add pics.

[mathewsman]

Ooops! I found the info on FAQ site----- will post pics this evening. Sorry Guys should have looked there first.

[d. ward]

I would be uncertin....as I think Fred shot the Grizzly with a recurve bow ? Well in my pics anyhow....the bow is a 1955 or 1956 Kodiak I believe.I will check later today.But if the date is 1953 ?????????? got pics....bowdoc

[mathewsman]

The date 1953 came from a label on the back of the print. I photograped it but it came out very fuzzy. Will try to get more detail from the print.

[d. ward]

That could explain the date..would love to see a pic....bowdoc

[mathewsman]

Had  the guy who has the picture at the moment check the back tag and you were correct on the date. IT was a grizzly killed in 1956. I don't know where I got the 1953 date from. Do you have the same picture ?

[d. ward]

I think so.I actually have all 3-4 from that series I believe.Will check later today and if so,I can post a pic of what I got....bowdoc

[mathewsman]

Sorry Guys - I had a family medical problem last night and didn't get to the computer and the site was down this morning. Will post pics tonight --I PROMISE!

[mathewsman]

Here they are - the long awaited pictures. First is the whole thing - the second is the "signature" What do you think????????
 
 

[d. ward]

The pic is a promo handed out everywhere Fred went or they were mailed out to you apone request join the Fred Bear Archery Club and you got a set and they were in almost every of Bear Archery dealers shops.They were free for the takeing.The pictures showed how you could kill big game with bow and arrow just like Fred.The signutre on yours was most likely done by Shirley (Fred's personal secrtery) or Frank Scott.Frank and Shirl signed more items then Fred did.Fred however did do the hand writeng on the pic.In most early pics Fred's name was...printed not writen.Until Frank and Shirl got him to start writing it Fred would print his name.But what makes your picture 10 times cooler then the normal promo signed by F.S. Shirley or Fred...is Fred did do the personal note to the archery club indacating he was there at the time and man thats a neet to think you walk the ground he walked shot the target butts he shot sweet.........bowdoc

[johnnyrazorhead]

I'ts hard to tell and there is no size mentioned in your post,but is this a smaller 8X10 size picture or one of the larger 20X30 prints on heavy cardboard?I know the signature on the larger prints was a facsimile of Fred's signature and it looks identical to this one.Or is this smaller 8X10 copy of that larger print?The darker writing above the "Sincerely,Fred Bear" appears to be Fred's handwriting but still hard to tell due to the smaller size,although that may be because I'm viewing it on my laptop computer at work. Size of photo would help.John

[mathewsman]

The print is a 20X30 on heavy cardboard. I had to downsize the pictures due to the restrictions of the site. I am very greatful to both bowdoc and johnnyrazorhead for their knowledge and help on this. It is greatly appreciated! Thanks !

[mathewsman]

Bowdoc- Just a side note here. The sad part of this is that the ground that the club originally was on and Fred Bear visited is now underwater and has been for 20 years or so. THe Army Corp of Engineers put a dam on the Shenango River and the Town of Clark as well as the original Western Reserve Club had to be moved to its current site many miles away. However when ever I drive over the causeway I will think about that as the area was very close to where the causeway is now.

[d. ward]

Man thats sad,I hate it when we gotta give alot to get a little.bowdoc