What Fred Bear bow did I buy today?

[beyondmyken]

Used one piece recurve with camo paint (if done by the previous owner, it was very well done), coin looks like brass and says Bow Hunting Equipment Co with Fred's face and Fred Bear signature.  On the riser it says BG-1768, AMO 58", 60#.  Limbs were straight.  I bought it for $40.  I figured I couldn't go wrong, even if this becomes a bowfishing bow.

[George D. Stout]

That's a newer model Grizzly made in Gainesville.  You did pretty well I would say. The camo would have been done aftermarket, unless special ordered that way. They are selling new for over $300.00.  They shoot great, a good friend of mine has one.

[beyondmyken]

Thank you George.  Now I am lammenting those Bear Razorheads I gave away about 10 years ago.  :(

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Brass coin on a newer (Gainsville) bow?
Brass coins were in bows made 63-70, factory did not move until '78.
after '72 they are plastic and not flush-mounted, although painted gold or chrome.....
PICTURES PLEASE!!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

THE COIN HAS FACE?... I'll get back to you....

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

coin looks like brass and says Bow Hunting Equipment Co with Fred's face and Fred Bear signature

 
This has me confused, could I please see some pictures?

[WIND WALKER]

The FRED BEAR BOWHUNTING EQUIPMENT COMPANY came out in the mid 90's to the late 90's with that emblem.

[beyondmyken]

try again

[beyondmyken]

here are some pics

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=080497

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=080497

[beyondmyken]

try again

 

 

[WIND WALKER]

I have a 1998 catalog that says this is when they started using that medallion. Nice find!

[George D. Stout]

Like I said...it's a Gainesville Grizzly.  They only used that medallion after moving to Gainesville.  8^))))))). Fred's picture was never on any Grayling bows.   Under that  camo you will find a Grizzly, made from laminated maple.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Thats cool, I am glad they went back to a flush-mount coin.....1998 huh? I gotta quit being such an older (pre '70s) fan and catch up with the times.......

[George D. Stout]

It's all good STIKNSTRINGBOW (it just took two minutes to type your handle).  You see history is an ongoing process, not just what happend in the past; we are making it everyday.  The Gainesville bows will have a section of their own in the annals of archery history.  Some of them are fantastic shooters, some average...just like the vintage models.  In my opinion, the Super Kodiaks, although plain as compared to the older models, are as good a shooter as the vintage models.  The Commemorative Super Kodiaks that Bear made are really sweet and look nice to boot.  And yes....the modern coins with Fred's likeness are very nice indeed.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Ya, I get called Stik a lot....History is being made, I understand, but I like the romance in the older bows. I just have to realize that a bow made now will be an older bow in 30 years....

I do still own a compound after all (but it IS a St.Charles "Buckskin") and as my first bow will have a place in my heart, but never will it compete with my Grumley T/D Deerslayer or '52 Grizzly or '56 cub, or '60 Kodiak Special Deluxe..... you get the picture