Originally posted by ahandle70:
Had to check out the maple sight window 56"er again. I am still on a scavenger hunt trying to find one for myself. They are in the top 10 of collectible bows made by Bear in my book.
ahandle70 - Al Reader searched his entire life and never found nor heard of a 56" MSW '59. It was one of the last 6 Kodiaks that he had on his list to complete his Kodiak Collection.
Al and I often talked about the possibility of the existence of this bow. Al always believed that the 56" MSW 1959 was made. I'm a true realist, and for a number of logical reasons, I had serious doubts if the 56" was ever made with a MSW. I wish Al had lived long enough to see at least one of these bows.
After Al died, the first one turned up in Jan 2010, and I was fortunate enough to acquire it. Then 22 months later, in October 2011, Alex found the second one in this thread. Truly a great find and wonderful collectible Bear treasure.
Now that a couple 56" MSW '59s have turned up, I'd have to guess there were probably more than two made. Many great old bows surface each year and find their way into collections.
Nothing surprises me when it comes to great vintage archery items turning up...
The best of luck with your search for a 56" MSW '59. I hope I live long enough to see photographs of a third one.