A couple years ago, I looked at my small vintage archery collection and to be quite honest it was a mess. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with the indidvidual components, but there was just a hodgepodge of different manufactures represented and different models from those manufacturers.
I decided to get more focused and work on finding certain models to develop a core collection to build around. I chose Bear Kodiaks from the years 1954 to 1962. This was largely determined by the fact that I had already stumbled across a 62 Kodiak and a 54 Kodiak II. At the time I had a 59 Kodiak Special in a 62" length. Since this was a bow I would likely never part with I decided to add the other lengths of 59 Kodiak Specials as well.
Some of you have played a huge role in helping me reach this milestone. Ken Elsoff willingly departed with a beautiful 61 Kodiak in 55# (can't wait untill that one is 50 years old). Roy Fedewa found a pretty rare 70" 59 Kodiak Special for me. I had a 59 Kodiak already but when Roy offered to deal with me on a maple sight window 59 Kodiak I knew it would be a nice centerpiece to my collection. Man he digs up some great old stuff. Then of course there is the gift from Chuck Dougherty, a very sexy white glass 57 Kodiak. A couple of these old gems would have never been suited for display if it werent for refinnishing advice from Bowdoc, Rich Lopez and the late Al Harford. Others have tipped me off about bows that were listed on the auction site or elsewhere. Thank You guys, this has been fun. And Bjorn, thank you for mentoring me through this entire process.
This forum, and being able to share findings with like minded individuals has helped keep the interest level high since the beginning. I've let some pretty good bows slip through my fingertips along the way in order to stay focused but there will be time for those again. One thing I've learned is to be patient and the one you're looking for will show up.
The last piece of the puzzle is this 59 Kodiak Special in 68"
And here's the rest, 1954-1962 Kodiaks 60" 49#-55# and 59 Kodiak Specials
What path does my collection take from here??? Who knows?
Trap
Topic: A Milestone for Me (Read 968 times)
