I had a friend who was once the top shooter in the county and was sponsored by Bear Archery in the 60s and 70s if I remember right. His name was Al Condiff and he went by the nickname "Big Al", even had this nickname embroidered on his jeans back pockets.
Al and his wife Viola won a total of 7 national championships, 35 state championships, had too many second and third place finishes to count.
Unfortunately Al passed away a couple years ago from a heart attack at 76 years of age.
Al had amassed a sizable collection of archery stuff over the years. As his health deteriorated and money got tight I sold a bunch of stuff for him on the net to ease his financial burden, Al didn't have internet access.
Al used to brag that he could out shoot Fred Asbel so I asked Fred if he knew Al at the Spring Fling last week, he remembered him well.
Al was never at a loss for words, matter of fact he could really get on one's nerves with his non stop talking. Al was a motor mouth to put it mildly, usually patting himself on the back for his past accomplishments.
In spite of his "gift for gab" he had a heart of gold and devoted the majority of his life to promoting archery and bringing kids into the sport.
He was still a great shot(wheels)in the year he died. He had perfect 20-20 vision and didn't wear glasses in spite of his advanced age.
Al told me a museum in Illinois had a display of his national championship trophies and a profile about his archery accomplishments. In his day he was the best.
I highly suspect the inscription on your bow is to the "Big Al" I knew. Al told me he spent a lot of time at Bear Archery having bows built for him. He was a big guy(long draw) and said they got upset with him for breaking so many bows.
Al's widow lives just down the road from me. I will check with her to see if the inscription might be to her "Big Al".
Topic: Fred Bear Autograph Signature signed ? Question (Read 636 times)
