Drake Bow

[Mark Sherlinski]

Recently got a Drake Recurve made in Lakeside, CA by Harry Drake. Not sure of wt. but the only other markings are the #2536.The bow was found in a 30+ year unoccupied house that the state was tearing down.Through my research I figure the bow is from the 50's or early 60's. It is in very good shape. No string so it is not twisted in any way. It has a leather longbow indicator grip. I was wondering if anyone knew of this bow or had interest in it. I was told Tink Nathan was a Drake guy but his email is no longer active. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Mark

[Mark Sherlinski]

From my research I heard that Drake only put out these bows during that era before he started with Browning. I know Drake is in the Archery Hall of Fame of flight but can't seem to find out much more about the bow. I was told Tink was the answer but I guess that creek is dry.

[Jack Shanks]

Mark,

 If you do a search of this forum and type in "Drake" you should be able to dig up some great old post. A lot of the old time members with tons of knowledge don't post on here so much anymore.

[jrbows]

Is it a right or left-hand bow?

[Mark Sherlinski]

It is right hand.

[Jack Shanks]

Mark, here's an old thread you might find interesting.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=004450

[Liquid Amber]

Harry Drake began running ads and offering composite bows to the public in the late 1940s.  Most if not all his early bows were backed with Eicholtz fiberglass and Miller plastic facings.  None of these early advertisements mention bows by model or name.

[Mark Sherlinski]

Thanks Jack and Amber....the pics of the bow is very similar to the one I have. I have the same limb tips but the one in the pics definitely has fancier woods. I might not mess with it and leave it the way it is and put it up for sale as some collector might find this one interesting. Thanks for the feedback and will keep up with the research.

[PAPALAPIN]

Harry Drake specialized and was a champion in "Flight Shooting".  A sport where the winner was the guy that got the greatest distance out of his arrow.  Many were shot on the Great salt lake flats.

He produced and sold recurve bows in the late fifties and early sixties.  After that he pretty much concentrated on building flight bows.

His bows are sought after by many traditional collectors.  

I personally do not have a Drake Bow in my collection but I always wanted to have one.

Great find.

[Mark Sherlinski]

PM sent to PAPALAPIN.

[Liquid Amber]

Harry Drake was influenced by or learned to make composite bows from Frank Eicholtz.  Drake had amassed quite a number of flight records prior to 1950.  Due to published claims concerning the bows he used to set these records, he was forced to send a letter to the editor of ABR setting the record straight.  He stated all of these records had been accomplished with bows of his own make and design, although he used Eicholtz materials.

[Mark Sherlinski]

Thanks Liquid Amber....I am getting some input from another site but trying to find out the value of these bows. Hope someone can help with that.

[PAPALAPIN]

Mark
No matter what the bow is, it is only worth what ever someone will pay. Rarity and condition are the biggest factors but economic conditions come into it too.

Your best bet is to put it on e8ay and let the buyers decide what it is worth.

[Mark Sherlinski]

Thanks for your help. I am not looking to make a lot of money on the bow. I have no use or interest in it so I thought maybe someone would be interested in it. I will probably wait till after the holidays and then put it on ***** or something else. If not...I will take it to ETAR next summer. Thanks again.

[BE Wild Willy]

Hoping that your hunting trip is going well and that you can send pics of your Drake bow when you get a chance.

Happy Holidays...Bill