Refinishing a Bear

[Wannabe1]

Would refinishing this 1953 Polar decrease it's value? Or, should I just leave it alone? It shoots pretty well and there are now stress cracks in the limbs that I can tell but, I'm no expert. Not even sure why I bought it to be truthful.  
 

[beaver#1]

mostly depends if you are going to keep and use, put up, or sell.  myself, i would refinish it and make it usable

[portugeejn]

I have a '53 Polar also.  The leather was in poor shape, but the finish was basically sound.  Replaced the leather and touched up the finish where it needed it with Tru Oil.  I shoot it often.

Posted pictures in the old collectors forum, and they were still there when they brought it back.
   Polar Grip Replacement

PM me if you have any questions I can help with-I live in Eugene.

RonP

[Dan Spiece]

Ron Great job on the wrap! One of the better jobs I have seen! You even Scifed the leather! Perfect..

[ron w]

I would clean the old girl up and shoot it. What a great bow to go to a 3/D with. I like seeing those old bows out in the field being used for what they were ment for!

[reddogge]

The bow istelf doesn't look like it needs anything but cleaning and maybe some good paste wax.  If you are planning on shooting a lot I'd replace the strike plate, rest and grip.

I prefer original finishes on old bows myself.

[Jeremy]

That looks more like a '54 Polar to me - single or double shelf?

I'm with reddogge.  With the exception of the leather, it looks to be in pretty good shape.  Clean with Flitz and a good coat of paste wax and it should be ready for the woods.

[Wannabe1]

Jeremy, it is a double shelf bow. The leather is in pretty bad shape around the grip. At 64" it is a bit short for my 29" draw. I was thinking of maybe cleaning it up for a youth bow or St Judes auction bow. Not sure yet on either.