HELLO PAUL
SHOOT THE HECK OUT OF IT.
The 59 & 64 Kodiaks seem to be tied as to what is the best hunting bow that Bear ever made.
Now I know it will take a special bow to get you to pick up trad shooting and lay down that contraption you are used to shooting.
Well, son, you have found that special bow. It won't get any better. 44# should be a good weight to start on, and your '59 is a great collectors bow and a great shooter. Don't worry about he stress cracks or hazing. That is not uncommon on the old bears, and even though it makes them look rough, they will still shoot like crazy. What you have is the same thing as the L'il Delta Bow. You can read all about it in a special thread down the main menu.
Don't let the 44# keep you from hunting with it either. There were more 45# bear bows made than in any other hunting weight. If you can place the arrow right, the bow wil ldo the job.
Congrats on a great find.