Author Topic: Bear Products Bow (Read 2114 times)

Shane Reed · « **on:** October 09, 2013, 06:19:00 PM »

Just picked up this bow today after over a year of waiting. I honestly thought that I would never get the chance to get this bow. It comes with a story that would make it one fine collector piece if true. I am leaving the story out as I am not able to go on anything more than the word of the seller at this point. The bow is 70" If anyone has ever heard of the first bows that Fred made for sale,and what book they are mentioned in; I would appreciate knowing.

Just noticed that someone shot the bow left also. Has a bit of red paint on the left side and arrow passing marks. Hard to get good pics with camera right now. Inspecting this bow very close with an occasional kiss ;o)

Bjorn · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2013, 08:15:00 PM »

I have one that is similar, same tips side profile of the grip is the same

Mine is 62" and someone added a rest.
For what it is worth I heard the stamp broke and they did the writing by hand for quite a while.

warpedarrow · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2013, 09:47:00 PM »

I have one of those in the collection. It is a mid forties bow to the best of my knowledge. I have never strung mine up and probably never will. It is the oldest Bear in the collection but I am always looking for a Bear Products by Grumley bow.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2013, 10:45:00 PM »

Brad, do you have any pics?

Bjorn · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2013, 01:45:00 AM »

Bear Products by Grumley would have come after the bows above.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2013, 10:13:00 AM »

Just a note. The seller told me that Fred was having issues stamping when he first started. Wonder if anyone could shed some light on that.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2013, 10:35:00 AM »

More pics

59Alaskan · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2013, 12:19:00 PM »

Very cool. It's always interesting to see these old ones

reddogge · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2013, 03:20:00 PM »

Shane, does that bow have the arrow locator (inlaid hardwood circle) on both sides of the bow or just one?

Shane Reed · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2013, 03:27:00 PM »

The bow actually does not have an inlaid circle. The circle you see is a small piece of leather about the side you would get with a paper punch laid on the wood. It's only on the one side

kstout · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2013, 06:43:00 PM »

There is some information about the different years of Bear Products Detroit, Bear archery products, and Bear Archery, in the Fred Bear autobiography by Charlie Kroll. I lent my book out, so can't look up the dates, but if memory is correct, Bear Products became Bear Archery in about 1939.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2013, 07:06:00 PM »

I need to get that book! Thank you

Shane Reed · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2013, 03:36:00 PM »

OK, I am a dope! My brother figured out what the 33 is written on the limb. It's the measurement from tip to center of shelf.

Bjorn · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2013, 11:46:00 PM »

Shane, I really think that is a coincidence. Can't think of a reason to make distance from tip to shelf an important number. I'm thinking the 33 refers to the #.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2013, 12:03:00 AM »

I strung the bow up today and shot it. On the scale it read 35#'s but could be off. It's the only time I will have shot it. I wouldn't take such a pole in the woods. Way to long for me. Just had to shoot it a few times. Itch gets the best of me every time.

TonyW · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2013, 11:08:00 PM »

Go ahead and tell the story of the bow, Shane.

It is folklore until verified, but folklore is great.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2013, 11:36:00 PM »

Ok Tony. I received this bow from a fellow TG member who is a big HH fan but has a major collection of many others. So he told me that Fred made 3 bows when deciding to sell publicly. One bow broke in the shop, one broke in the field and the one I now have survived. Supposedly this story is written somewhere, but I do not know where. So that's all I have. Wish I had more proof. The only thing I can think of is that the number 33 is etched into the limb. If Fred wrote that I am not sure that he would send out for sale. Other little things make me wonder but I just can't say for sure. So what I have been told is all I have. Not sure if the member I received the bow from will look at this topic as he doesn't frequent history and collecting, but rather sticks to pow wow and HH topics.

TonyW · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2013, 11:37:00 AM »

Someday the only way to verify all of the early bows may be a spectrophotometric analysis of the original bow finishes.
With all of the crafty refinishers out there busily re-writing history with art supply house pens this may be necessary for all future collectors anyway.
The "Bear Products" stamp on yours is evidence - not folklore - and the etched "33" bears further investigation.

Shane Reed · « **Reply #18 on:** October 13, 2013, 07:30:00 PM »

In my searches I have come across a very neat site that I think everyone would enjoy:

http://www.arctradionly.com/t2847-news-from-the-past

Blackhawk · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2013, 12:08:00 AM »

Shane, that's a fantastic site! I was amazed at the number of quality old pics and videos of trad archery history. Thanks!!!

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Author Topic: Bear Products Bow (Read 2114 times)

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