Blackhawk Wasp

[indianalongbowshooter]

Was just given a Cravotta Brothers Blackhawk Wasp recurve, 60 in. 65@28, bow was in average shape when recieved, refinished it and put new arrow rest on it, looks decent now. The bow seems to have average speed, a little handshock and is very quiet, hits where you point it. Anyone know what years these were made, did a search and found very little info. on them..Will make a nice hunting bow that you dont have to worry about dinging up.

[John D]

Dean. send me the ser# I can tell you the year it was made, I have quite a few Blackhawks.

[indianalongbowshooter]

Dank, The numbers on the bow are 1157- D525 65@28. My p.m. function is not working for some reason...Thanks, Dean

[John D]

Dean, your bow was made Nov, 1957 (1157) by Cravotta Bros.East McKeesport Pa.

[indianalongbowshooter]

Thanks for the info., shoots darn good for a 50 yr. old bow. Dean

[SCATTERSHOT]

Dank, thanks for the info. I have an old Bee that's a pretty good shooter, and I was wondering how to age it. Now I can figure it out.

[John D]

I, have a 1963 Bee, it's pretty easy to date them, usally the first numbers are the month, second numbers are the year. My Bee # 963. 99% of the time this is how they are marked, I have some friends that worked for Blackhawk in the 50s and 60s and they told me this is how it is done, I take their word on it.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Using your information, my bow was made in June of 1957. I agree with Indianalongbowshooter, that it shoots pretty well for being 50. I have thought about refinishing mine, but I think I'll leave it as is.

Thanks again,
Gene  

[Toxophilite]

This brings back fond memories of growing up on a little farm in southern Indiana, crazy about hunting with bow & arrow, and shooting field and American rounds with the local club. I got my first "real" bow for Christmas in 1954--a Blackhawk Wasp. Looked just like yours.

[John D]

Gene, I'll try to get a pic of my 63 Bee, on here, but for some reason I have trouble with pics. you won't belive the difference in the looks.

[John D]

Top bow is a 63 Bee
#2 is a 1961 Chief
#3 1974 Short Hornet
#4 1963 Scorpion

[SCATTERSHOT]

WOW! That is amazing! I had no idea they would change so much in just 6 years. But, Bear did the same thing with the Kodiak, come to think of it. Nice bows.