Garage Sale Season is Upon Us!!!! (Bear Story)

[Ben Tiller]

And I found a Fred Bear Polar (patent date 1953).  It is in great shape, with the original leather.  The tips are white glass, and the rest is burgundy-brownish.  The bow has no structural flaws.   I paid 25 bucks for the bow, an old bear detachable quiver with 4 Zwickey's in perfect shape.  Not a bad deal.  It seems the bows are only going for about 60 in this condition on the Auction site, so instead of flipping it, I am thinking about refinishing it (it still has the original finish, which shows some age in spots) and adding a bear medallion to the riser.  What are your thoughts on this?  Would it be an abomination to refinish the bow?  

If not, how should I proceed?  Just a light sanding and some spar urethane?  Any other good finds out there?

ben

[Over&Under]

Pics???????????

[Ray Hammond]

I wouldnt add anything to the bow...and if its in good shape finish wise, I would think a refinish would exclude most serious collectors from being interested in buying it as a collectible.

On the other hand, if you are going to use it and enjoy it, then have at the refinishing.

Thats a great find, by the way!