Bitzenburger Bow Lost for 8 Months

[Bjorn]

In April I bought a bow from a guy on Craigslist-someone here posted the link. Seller shipped with address digits transposed-91 instead of 19. The seller and I spoke with UPS dispatch several times. I stopped 4-5 UPS drivers in my area-no bow, nutten. I get a refund from insurance and move on.
Two evenings ago my wife and I attend a block party the guy from 89 says I just found something with your name on it. The bow had been under a pile of lumber they were remodeling the house big time and he had moved in recently.
At the time I promised to post pics of the bow and some other items made by Harry and his team.
And here they are:
This is a box I got from the rafters of a garage where I hunt. I did post this a few years ago but now it has a beautiful sticker on the frontT

 
A peek inside
 
OK. Wife says we are going to COSTCO I'll be back>

[Bjorn]

Here's the two bows together. A 64" 43# and the new one is 60" and 26#
 

 

 

The bows have horn tips
 

[Larry m]

Congrats Bjorn!!
I'm very happy for you. I remember your post and was anxious to see the pics. I've had bows lost/damaged in the mail and had just chalked this one up as another fellow archer having a bad situation happen. Great ending and a bit of early Christmas for you.
Very Nice  

[Lucas K]

That's great that you finally got the bow. It is interesting to see the change in the two bow also. I wonder how many years passed between when they were made?

[frank bullitt]

Wow,Bjorn, love that box! Bows are sweet, too!

Also neat shipping story with good ending!

Merry Christmas!

[TonyW]

Two evenings ago my wife and I attend a block party the guy from 89 says I just found something with your name on it. The bow had been under a pile of lumber they were remodeling the house big time and he had moved in recently

Wonder what else was delivered to that woodpile?

Glad you finally got the prodigal son nestled safely to his big brother.

[johnnyrazorhead]

Great story Bjorn with a very happy ending. Congrats!!

[JavelinaHink]

Very nice display of equipment, Thx

[Wade Phillips]

Bjorn,

Glad to hear that you got an early Christmas present.

Nice Bitzenburger arrow box and horn nock Bitzenburger longbows. Is the black nock made of horn or aluminum?

[Bjorn]

Hi Wade,

The black nocks are horn.
I just now glued down the sticker and gave the lid a spray with clear matte. Looks killer!!
Wish I had a score card and pencil!  

[Wade Phillips]

Bjorn,

The Bitzenburger score card and pencil are now with Henry Bitzenburger's personal T/D bow that he used to kill his mountain lion... Also in the display case are other personal items from Henry as well as the most complete collection of his commercially manufactured broadheads from 1939 and 1940. Also have a complete collection of every variation of the Bitzenburger fletching tool but have not yet figured out how to get them in the display case.

The reason I asked about the material the black nocks were made of, is the nock shape looks like the 1920s CBP aluminum nock shape. The CBP nocks were also painted black. The CBP nocks have been found on the bows of other manufacturers.

[Larry m]

Bjorn and Wade
Don't mean to horn in here so to speak but you don't see much info on Bitzenburger equipment other then bitz and pieces. Any chance Wade, of having any pictures of your display and in particular the broadheads and fletching tools posted to this site!

Merry Christmas

[pinky]

That is just Great, Bjorn!  I just happened to glimpse at the (Trad History / collecting) and saw the topic.  I'm glad the bow found it's way to you after all.  Happy Holidays.

[Wade Phillips]

Larry -

This is the old Bitzenburger display that was refurbished a few years ago...

This photograph was posted in 2009 on the first page of The Antique Archery Arsenal thread...

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=003431;p=1  

   

[Larry m]

I've bookmarked it this time! Must be something to sit down there and pass the time. Nice how you put that display together with the takedown bow. I see the cases of fletching jigs. I had no idea there were so many variations. In looking at your Broadheads (need to spend more time looking at this) 1871-1971, you can see the creative genius in the many different kinds of heads Bitzenburger was able to produce in such a short period of time and get them to market. Good info you have put together there.
Most appreciated Wade.....
Bjorn... You certainly have a nice start on the Bitz line!!

[Bjorn]

Wade, that display is amazing-all of the broadheads and THE bow. The display screams for the box you realize!    
I am looking at my CBP Osage LB with the aluminum tips and Wade you are right right (of course) they are identical to the Bitz tips.
I scratched the Bitz tips and they are made of horn.

[Wade Phillips]

Bjorn -

I have seen the CBP aluminum horn tips on other makers bows, including Easton bows from the same era as CBP. Nice to know that Henry used the CBP tips for a model to make his horn tip.

Yes, the Bitzenburger broadheads are truly amazing. That exhibit is far and away the most extensive display of Henry's heads. It has taken a lifetime to assemble the display and I feel more than humbled to be the one who was able to put it together.