Is this a '59 Howatt Hunter?

[Blackhawk]

I'm pretty sure I remember Larry Hatfield saying the famous Hunter was first introduced in 1959.  Based on looks and markings, I think I found one.  

   

   

It would be even better if confirmed this bow was made by the master himself, Damon Howatt.

   

And yes, sights are traditional.   :D  

   

   

[ron w]

I have no idea if it's a 59' but it is a real neat find!!!  

[Hobow]

Beautiful bow Lon, I love the early Howatts.  

If I had to guess I would say 61-62ish since it doesn't have woven glass and has a more sculpted shape than the 1960 Hunter shown in the ad for the 1960 bows in the following thread.  

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=006186#000000

Great bow!

Brad

[Blackhawk]

Brad, thanks for the input and comments.

I got this reply from Larry Hatfied:

"believe it was built in the late fifties. you can tell it was made when we still used a tapered round rasp to shape the grip area under the shelf. and that decal is pretty old. pearl had her own method for serial numbers at that time, so I do not know how to read that. the bowyer number is #6, but the next number could be the month. sorry I can't be more help."

BTW, finding old bows and researching their origins can be entertaining, but also time consuming...and frustrating.

Over the weekend I picked up another Howatt which I know is from the 50's.  It has leather grip, 58" long, and the number "48" stamped in the sight window.  The decals and lettering are missing but I'm thinking "Mamba Hi-Speed".  Glass on back and belly is tan color and woven.