Opinions on dating these bows....Updated 8-13 with pics

[TimZeigler]

Hey guys, just trying to put some info regarding some bows that were part of my grandfathers estate.  They won't be going up for sale and will be kept in the family so I'm doing this to provide my family with the history of the bows.

I had always known that my grandfather was quite knowledgeable in his firearms and had a acquired a lovely collection of rifles thru the ages and now after the phone call that I got today from my Uncle, he had quite good taste in Bear bows as well.

I'll list them with the info that was relayed to me over the phone.

1.  64" Kodiak, RH, Leather grip, Brown glass back and belly.  R above ser# DS345 52#. (My guess is 1957).

2.  60" Kodiak, RH, Dark wood riser. Ser# 12AF164 50#.  Inlaid aluminum coin. (1961 Kodiak).

3.  64" Kodiak Special.  RH, Green glass back.  Leather handle, XJ812.  (My guess is 1956).

4.  62" Grizzly. Ambidextrous/leather grip.  Standing bear.  Has medical tape around one of the limbs so could have a possible splinter under it. Ser# GJ235 51# (Not sure other than between 1953-1955 because of the water transfer logo).

Am I close on my initial guesses?  Any help/info, or additional history would be appreciated.

Thanks, Tim

UPDATE.
Just got pics of the bows in question.  Still not sure of the 61/62 Kodiak.  Appears to have been painted possibly, which is why it looks dark.  Needs some TLC.

61 or 62 Kodiak
 

 

One small hole in the front of the riser. Doesn't appear to be a hole for a site as its not very deep.  Looks more like someone spun the tip of a broadhead til a small hole formed.
 

 

You can see what appears to be some sort of paint of the decal.
 

Tip Shape, again with paint overspray.
 

More to follow.

[d. ward]

1957 sounds correct on the first.The second sounds like a 1962 to me dark wood riser.3 sounds like a 1956 Kodiak spec.but I believe the glass is gray in color with yellowing finish over gray looks green maybe..4 sounds like a 1955 griz.bowdoc

[TimZeigler]

Thanks Doc.  My KS has what looks to be mint green back glass, so I'm not sure if what he has is that color or the gray glass you mentioned.  Might be possible to get some pictures in the future.  If so I'll post them.  Tim

[TimZeigler]

There was also a 62" Pearson Colt model 707, 35@28 that belonged to my grandmother.  I'm guessing it was a lefty as I'm pretty sure she was. #07-6533

[TRAP]

That's cool Tim,  

Do you have any knowledge of him hunting with them?  Any old pics? etc.  

You better get hold of the uncle and flex those limbs a little.   Wouldnt want them to dry out and get brittle.     Might even need to take those old Bears for a walk outside.

Cool stuff Man,  I wish there had been some archers in my family tree.

Trap

[TimZeigler]

Trap,

I don't think any of those bows have been in the woods for quite some time.  There may be some pictures floating about, and if there are I wouldn't mine seeing them myself.  

I think one or two might be put back into use by my Uncle in next years Pennsylvania deer season.  They've been stored up in a closet so I think the limbs would have to be retaught how to bend without causing problems in the long run.  

I sent him the link to this thread, so maybe he'll chime in, in the near future.

Tim

[TimZeigler]

Pics of the 57, 64" Kodiak. What a beauty. Hopefully I can use it for a season or two before I have to return it to my uncle.  

 

 

 

 

 

[TimZeigler]

Trap,
You had mentioned about history on the bows, and pictures to go with them.  Well, I haven't come across pictures yet but when talking to my uncle and my father I got a bit of history.  It appears that my grandfather met Fred Bear at an Archery convention here in Pa.  He (my uncle) wasn't sure which shoot, but after meeting Fred my grandfather started hunting with Traditional equipment.  This was around the early 60's, if not earlier which would explain the mid 50s to 60's bows that my grandfather had.

Another interesting tidbit is that when my father saw the Kodiak Special that was to be sold, he told me that he believed it was the bow he used to take his first archery deer.  He was almost positive that it was.  If it is, then maybe she'll have a little mojo left in her as I'm still looking for my first traditional deer myself.

[4runr]

Cool stuff there Tim.

Would love to see the 61/62 cleaned up and let that beautiful Rosewood shine!!

[TRAP]

Fred Bear touched the lives of many people through personal contact, advertisement, hunting videos, equipment passed down through generations  etc, etc.

Sounds like your entire family has been touched by the "traditional archery" fire Fred lit in your Grandfather many years ago.  I know you have youndsters that will grow up and know who Fred was and what he means to archery no matter how high tech things get down the road.

Cool Stuff Brother, thanks for the update. Keep your eye on that 62 K and keep it in the family.  Your son might be wanting to shoot his first "traditional" deer with that a few years from now.

As for your first Traditional kill.  It will most likely happen when you least expect it and will happen in the blink of an eye.  Take time to thank Grandfather for the "gift".

Trap

[hormoan]

My condolences Tim to you and your family, on the loss of your grandfather. Hopefully you find some pictures of him shooting his bows. And that you also get to use and hunt with one of them. Nothing better than old roots.


                Brent