Damon Howatt Eldorado Palomar: update

[lone hunter]

I have come across a howatt eldorado palomar that is in excellent shape, but I know nothing about it. The bow is 69" and has 38 stamped in the sight window. The serial # is EOP 26423. It has light green belly glass and the back looks like brown over light green glass. The light green shows on the edges of the brown. The tips are brown wood over glass back and belly. Riser has an accent stripe between light and darker wood. Riser has a longbow style grip similar to a '59-'60 bear grizzly. Any information at all would be greatly appreciated as I can't seem to find much about this model. Thanks, Mike

[wadde]

All I can tell you is that model was available in 1963 for 69.50. Came in 66" and 69" and weights up to 75 pounds. Found that info in a 1963 catalog I have. Probably was available other years as well.

[wadde]

Since my last post I have found a catalog from Howatt from 1964 or 1965 that has color pics of the Palomar with the following info: 64 and 69 inch length, weights to 55 pounds, choice of handles and bow glass color. The longer length model is an ideal men's target bow. The shorter length is for women. Price was 75.00.

[Blackhawk]

With your wt. stamped in the side window, I would venture a guess you bow is from the mid to late 50's.

[wadde]

I do not believe that model was available in the 50's. Just my opinion I believe it is an early to mid 60's bow.

[Hobow]

Mine was dated 1959-60, does it look like this?

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=004985

[wadde]

I stand corrected. Did not think they were available in the 50's. The more I learn the less I know.

[lone hunter]

Wadde, really appreciate your time on this. Have googled and searched on TG archives but just cant find much.
Hobow, While searching I saw pics of your bow in a thread. Very nice bow but no, mine does not look like that. You have recurve grip and mine is low wrist longbow. Have found that there were two grip styles; "california" and "straight wrist." Don't know the difference between the two. Called Martin but didn't get much help. The kid said probably early '60s
In earlier posts, others have said that at one point the serial# gave info. In this case EOP 26423 would mean bowyer#2, made in '64, 23 bow made. Don't know if this holds true on not. Will post pics this afternoon, photobucket willing. Thanks again for your time and knowledge guys. Mike
pics added:
     
   
   
 
 

[lone hunter]

A TGang member (thanks Jack), advised me to contact Larry Hatfield which I did. Larry was kind enough to e-mail his thoughts and, for general information, I will include his reply.Thank you to those who have helped me with this. Mike

"I think it would be a late 50's bow. it was a target model that we made up to 1968. yours could be as old as 1956 with the glass colors and grip you described. sorry i can't be more precise. it was made before i started there in 1960." LH

[Hobow]

Mike, I assume that Larry did not see a picture of your bow.  According to old Damon Howatt ads, it's a 1960.

The Archer's Magazine, January 1959, Pg 3;

 

The National Bowhunter, March 1960, inside cover;

 

 

The National Bowhunter, March 1961, Inside cover;

 

As you can see, the '59 riser is different shape and laminations, the '60 is an exact match and the '61 has the same shape but additional laminations on the belly that your bow does not.

I hope this helps to clear it up.

Brad

[lone hunter]

Dang!!! Brad, you've gone to a ton of work. You're right, Larry did not see a picture and you're also right that the pics of the '60 is exactly like the bow I am shooting. Thanks for helping clear up this little mystery. I really appreciate your information and the generosity of your time. Thanks to those who have helped me date this bow. Mike

[Hobow]

You're welcome Mike, I'm glad to help!      

Brad

[Blackhawk]

ttt for some good info...again.