Information on a bowyer using Baleen

[7 Lakes]

Does anyone have any info on a bowyer named "Rathbone" that use/d baleen on the back and belly of his bows.

[Pat B]

Never heard of "Rathbone" but Glenn St Charles used baleen on some of his bows way back when...

[newhouse114]

Howard Hill also used baleen. Someday I will try it myself!

[wingnut]

Dean Torges made a baleen bow or two and so did Joe Don Jones.  I wasn't able to get ahold of a legal piece to build one.

We went with horn instead.

Mike

[frank bullitt]

Maybe ask over on the History/collector forum?

[Ted Fry]

Gary Rathbone , hobby bowyer and collector from Boise Idaho made a few Baleen bows.
Remember however it is legal to purchase Baleen from a native Alaskan that has artwork on it but you can not cut it or alter in in anyway and then sell it without breaking Federal marine mammal act , they consider a trade a sale as well.
I made one with Yew belly and Baleen back, nice stuff, make the Baleen thin. Still have that one hanging on my wall.