My buddy just brought back his uncle's old Grizzly from Cleveland last week. This morining was the the first time I had a chance to see it and how glad I was to take a look!
Folks, in my mind this is the next best thing to a Grumley Deerslayer I could have held in my hands. What a piece of archery history.
How cool is this?! THE classic static tip designed recurve that Mr. Bear produced in the Grayling, MI factory approximately 60 years ago.
For those uninitiated to vintage archery tackle this is a rare and treasured find, in my book. I have filed in my computer photos of the old Bear Deerslayer and Grizzly static tip recurves for reference when I someday build a replica or two. Now, I have one to borrow for pulling the exact dimensions right off of.
The flair for the stylish was evident even back yonder with the tip overlays.
Pardon my enthusiasm but just look at those static tips. What a gorgeous design feature those were/are. I've build a couple statics close to that design for sinew backed one piece osage bows and can appreciate the skill and function put into them.
If you've read the Traditional Bowyers Bible series you will recognize this type of string groove running along the backside of the recurve.
I've refreshed my memory of what the late
Al Reader wrote in this link:
http://www.stickbow.com/stickbow/Collector/beararchery/ (If this is not appropriate please delete this link) to gain a better idea of this weapon's age.
He said:
"All Bear bows had leather grips from those first Grumley’s in the late 30’s until 1959. In 1959, the Kodiak Special dropped the leather grip, and in 1961 the Kodiak followed suit. The Grizzly kept the leather grip until 1964."
The article goes onto say:
"The small Running Bear decal on the left was used by Bear from 1948 until 1953, with the larger Standing Bear decal replacing it in mid-1953 and lasting until the 1955-56 model years. Beginning in 1955-56 Bear began using the silk-screened logo shown on the far right."
As you can see in this comparison photo of Bear decals and what is on my friend's bow, below, it is the second decal, the original standing bear design.
Continued on next post:
Topic: Vintage Bear Archery Find (Read 172 times)
