Garage Sale Find Questions

[Fattony77]

I found a "Signal Cougar 7805" at a garage sale for $50 today. It looks like it was a Ben Pearson bow that was just sold under a different name (presumably for a specific retailer?). The serial number was CB-2016 (I think), and it looked like it said that it was a 62" bow and 52#@28". The writing (located on the part of the riser where the shooter's hand would be on the grip) was faded and somewhat difficult to read, but it was in otherwise, pretty good shape. Just a very slight twist in the upper limb and a small (approx. 1/8") chunk out of the edge of the shelf.

I have no doubt that it would be worth the asking price, since it didn't appear to have any signs of de-lamination or stress lines.

I really was just wondering if anyone here could provide any details about the year of manufacture (based on the serial #), or the retailer that Pearson made them for, or any other cool tidbits? I really don't have the money to spare, but I could probably make it happen if there were some reason to do so (i.e. a much higher value than the asking price, etc.).

Any help or history would be much appreciated. Thanks!
-Tony

[Horney Toad]

271980787017

There was one on the auction site that may give you some info.

[Captain*Kirk]

Tony;
I do know this much; they were made by Pearson. That alone values it at over $100.00 in my book in good condition. A similar Bear would probably command $200.00-250.00 so all things relative, it's easily worth a half a hundo.

[papabear08]

Tony with the issues the bow has and because it's a low end model I'd walk. Just not worth it.

[Blackhawk]

Gary is correct.  Twisted limb and chunk out of the riser says a lot about how that bow was treated.  Look and you will find better Pearsons at that price.  Many folks think their old beater bows are worth more than they really are.

[Larry m]

I agree with the immediate above statements. For me a bow such as your description would be in the neighborhood of $20 to $25 and would be viewed as something to work on and then used as trading material or a give away. Hang onto that 50 and look further to spend a bit more for something of higher quality.
Lon's statement in regard to ole beater bows is right on!

[PAPALAPIN]

All advice above is in vain.  He indicated that he already bought the bow.  

So is it worth it.  Old bows are worth what someone will pay.  He paid $50 so it must be worth $50 to him.  No more, no less.  String it, shoot it, get $50 worth of enjoyment from it.

One good thing about it is that he doesn't have to worry about getting scratches and dings on it.

[Fattony77]

I just realized that I had not replied on here.    I thank you all for your replies and advice. I did not end up buying the bow, as the timing just didn't work out. I had no doubt that the minor issues could've been repaired easily, and that I could've gotten at least $50 worth of fun out of it. If nothing else, I'd have made it a dedicated bowfishing bow. I was just curious about the history aspect of it, and hoping to get an idea of it's age.

I really appreciate all of your guidance and advice, fellas!