Their method of dating/numbering has even improved in the past few years. The newer models have a model designation and year on the first line...such as TDA-11 (which is my Takedown "A" handle. The next line indicates month and number made...such as 11-041 meaning this is the 41st bow made in month of November.
Most of us wish Bear had begun doing this back in the 40's. Of course Fred had no idea that folks 50 or 60 years later would want to know when their bow was made.
In addition, serial numbering systems for most archery companies (gun companies too) would make little sense to most of us since these companies tried to keep their numbers secret from the competition...or even the government.